Edexcel is to introduce a qualification for key holding and response officers, adding to their growing suite of qualifications which meet the needs of the security industry.

Sallyann Baldry, Edexcel’s Business Development Manager, said:  “We are developing a qualification for key holding and response officers and working closely with the SIA and the key holding consultation group and will be looking to involve others working in organisations across the sector to take this development forward.

“We intend to seek QCA accreditation in Spring 2006and expect the qualification to be available later in the year.”

Although the qualification is not a mandatory requirement for SIA licensing, the training will provide vital continuing professional development opportunities for industry personnel seeking to progress in the sector.

It is thought that as many as 22,000 people are engaged in key holding and response operations in the industry and if plans by insurers to reduce premiums for key holding companies whose officers hold this qualification go ahead there will be a strong driver to take up the training.

The new qualification is likely to comprise three units of study covering the role and responsibilities of key holding and response officers, key holding and response operations in a range of different settings and how to deal with security incidents and conflict.

For further details, contact security@edexcel.org.uk or visit http://security.edexcel.org.uk