ICM backs SIA proposals for physical skills training

07 Dec 09

The formal announcement by the Security Industry Authority (SIA) that door staff will be trained in physical intervention skills from next June is supported by The Institute of Conflict Management.

By Brian Sims

Phil Hardy – the Institute of Conflict Management’s (ICM) chairman – believes that the introduction of mandatory physical intervention training for door supervisors from June 2010 will be “a defining moment” in the history physical skills training for security staff.

For the first time, the SIA has paved the way for a nationally-recognised training qualification in the form of a Level 2 physical intervention training award.

“This is an extremely positive step forward, and the ICM has been proud to play its part in the development process,” Hardy told SMT Online. “The work undertaken by Tony Holyland at the SIA, and by the Awarding Bodies to make this happen cannot be overstated.”

Competing commercial interests

Hardy did sound a note of caution, however. “These organisations must now remain strong in the face of competing commercial interests and time pressures to ensure that the right level of protection is delivered for both door supervisors and the public at large.”

Indeed, protection of the public is the key reason this training has been introduced. Therefore, it’s vital that the most stringent criteria be applied to all areas of training. None more so than the training of those who will ultimately deliver the training to door supervisors.

According to the ICM, great care must be taken to ensure the quality of those trainers meets the exacting standards such responsibility will bring. The only way to minimise the risk of injurious events is to ensure the highest possible standards of training from the top down.

Common language and skills set

Critical to the safety of door supervisors and members of the general public alike is the need for a common language and skills set to be used throughout the training process. This will enable everyone including door supervisors, the police service and Health & Safety investigators to communicate effectively following an injurious event.

“This is why the ICM continues to lobby hard for the harmonisation of terminology and techniques used in this award,” said Hardy. “The ICM will also continue to use its advisory role within the Government and the Health & Safety Executive (HSE) to push for the adoption of a fully-risk assessed National Physical Skills Register or database in all areas where PI is used.”

Hardy concluded: “A physical intervention-focused training regime operating to a universal set of standards benefits everyone involved, as well as offering peace of mind to employers, employees, insurance companies and members of the general public.”