The inaugural meeting of the BTEC Security Training Forum took place in London on 11th November.  The industry was well represented with 45 people attending.

The new forum is open to security company training managers and training providers interested in working with awarding body Edexcel to offer the new Security Industry Authority qualifications for licensing.

The key note speaker at the forum was Linda Sharpe, Competency Manager for the Security Industry Authority. Outlining the Security Industry Authority strategy for licensing, she emphasised the central focus being placed on competency to up-skill and bring professionalism to the industry. She encouraged organisations to prepare themselves for licensing by contacting the awarding bodies.

This was followed by a presentation from Edexcel’s qualification leader, Moira Hargreaves, who outlined the development schedule for the first two qualifications in door supervision and vehicle immobilisation. Attendees were invited to participate in the consultation phase prior to the submission of the qualifications to the Qualification Curriculum Authority whose role it is to approve them for entry to the National Qualification Framework.

The new BTEC qualifications will be available in Spring 2004 although organisations can seek centre approval from now.

The forum is intended to provide industry professionals with a direct line of communication into the awarding body and enable them to network and share good practice.

Sallyann Baldry who has introduced the forum said: “We are impressed by the delegates’ enthusiasm for embracing change in the industry. Many are keen to work with us to support the development and piloting of the qualifications.”

The forum closed with a workshop explaining the requirements for centre approval.

The forum will meet three times a year with the next meeting to be held in February.   Membership of the forum is free.   To join the Forum, or for more information, contact Edexcel on 020 7758 6867.