SIA Refresher Training

18/10/2025

Recent serious assaults on security personnel highlight a basic truth: employers have a legal and moral duty to anticipate credible knife risks and equip their staff accordingly. In the UK, that duty rests on solid statutory and common-law foundations and translates into clear, practical requirement

11/10/2025

I saw a Facebook post recently with lots of criticism about having to complete refresher training for relicensing, along with general digs at door supervisors and the SIA.

I’m also unhappy with the insistence on the licence-integration model—especially since, in 2018, I was assured we could opt out and focus exclusively on the CP role and on managing hostile encroachment into the principal’s safe space.

That said, we are where we are—so I’ve chosen to highlight a few positive reasons to understand the front-of-desk SO role and specifically the DS role at licensed venues, which many of us frequent with our principals.

Understanding the door supervisor’s role is essential for any Close Protection Operative because much of a CPO’s risk picture is shaped at the venue threshold. Door supervisors control access, conduct searches, read crowd mood, and enforce house policies—functions that directly affect how safely a principal can arrive, move, and depart.

Knowing their legal powers, consent-based search protocols, ejection procedures, and incident recording standards helps the CPO plan realistic routes, coordinate protective formations, and avoid unnecessary escalation. Just as importantly, door teams are an immediate source of local intelligence (hostile individuals, spiking trends, tensions in the queue) and can act as force multipliers when briefed well.

I'd even go so far as to say that understanding how door supervisors handle physical interventions is vital for a Close Protection Operative because the same incident can span the venue threshold and the CPO’s protective bubble.

Door teams set the tone on proportionality, least-force, and consent; they manage crowds, create space, and control egress—all of which directly affect a CPO’s ability to shield, extract, or de-escalate.

Knowing door-team protocols (communication cues, positions, ground-restraint risks, safeguarding and post-incident welfare checks, evidence preservation, and reporting) helps the CPO integrate seamlessly, avoid “blue-on-blue” confusion, and maintain legal and ethical standards under public scrutiny.

Put simply, being fluent in door-supervision practice improves liaison, speeds decisions, and tightens the protective bubble around the principal.

Regarding physical intervention, using aligned methods and coordinating clearly with door supervisors makes interventions safer, quicker, and more defensible—provided they’re effective.

And that is down to the training provider you choose.

11/08/2025

Close Protection Refresher — Overview

Timeline

• CP Top-Up ends: 1 November 2025
• CP Refresher available from: 1 October 2025

Approach

The SIA and the awarding-organisation working group have designed the qualification as a targeted skills refresh. It prioritises a core set of practical, safety-critical skills over the full competency suite, aiming for deeper practice, purposeful repetition, and—where appropriate—higher-intensity scenarios to build confidence and competence.

Summary

• Focused scope: Fewer techniques, concentrating on CP safety-critical skills.

• Mastery emphasis: As a second exposure, learners are expected to refine and elevate skills they already possess.

• Flexible assessment: “Demonstrate” outcomes may be evidenced technique-by-technique or through scenario assessments, depending on AO support and moderation. QN will require scenario-based assessment; note that some trainers under other AOs may continue with technique-by-technique assessment.

• Realistic, safe delivery: Use scenarios with genuine pressure and consequences. Techniques should succeed only when correctly applied—rather than via a compliant partner (“uke”). This avoids a perfunctory three-year cycle and helps learners finish energised, engaged, and confident in their progress.

Rationale

Within the knowledge–skills–behaviours framework, we expect that many learners will already hold the knowledge and skills from previous CP PI training. The refresher targets behaviours: can they execute those skills in live, dynamic conditions with semi-autonomous performance?

The PBA model blends realism with professional development, strengthening both your capabilities and organisational reputation. It also aligns with the SIA’s recognition that there is room to move beyond the basics for those ready to progress.

Reach out to Gavin Richardson via WhatsApp +44 7968 750094.

27/03/2025

From 1 April 2026, all Close Protection Operatives must complete refresher training to renew their SIA licence.

This training updates key safety-critical skills and ensures you:

✔ Stay up to date with the latest legal changes
✔ Know how to respond to evolving threats
✔ Protect the public and vulnerable people
✔ Use modern technology and practices

Before training, you must have a valid Emergency First Aid at Work certificate (12+ months left) and completed ACT Awareness & ACT Security e-learning (within last 12 months)

Door Supervisors: Duration 2 days £175

• Terror threat awareness
• Physical intervention (theory & practical)
• Searching
• Vulnerability training (e.g. spotting spiking)

Security Guards: Duration 1 day £100

• Terror threat awareness
• Searching
• Vulnerability training

👉 Refresher training is now available at our dedicated training facility in Liverpool.

Address:
166b Townsend Lane
Liverpool, L13 9DN
England

Contact Us:
📞 Tel: +44 (0) 791 359 8086
📱 WhatsApp: +44 (0) 791 359 8086

19/08/2024

The new 'refresher' qualifications will be available starting 1 October 2024. These qualifications are designed to update the safety-critical skills of door supervisors and security guards to help keep the public safe. October 2025 is the planned date for CP Operatives.

The SIA is urging affected licence holders to complete this training as soon as possible.

In April 2021, the SIA raised the standards for licence-linked qualifications for door supervisors and security guards applying for new licenses. Accredited 'top-up' awards were introduced in October 2021 as a requirement for renewing licenses.

By October 2024, all existing door supervisor and security guard licence holders must have completed the 'top-up' training to meet the updated standards. The refresher training ensures that operators not only refresh their safety-critical skills but also stay informed about new content related to spiking and terror threat awareness.

Tony Holyland, Head of Individual Standards for the SIA, stated:

"Professional security operatives play a crucial role in enhancing community safety and protecting the public in the UK. As the challenges surrounding public safety grow, so do the expectations for what security personnel should be trained to do.

We acknowledge that skills can diminish over time, and this new requirement will ensure that operatives have updated and refreshed safety-critical skills.

A key part of our role as a regulator is to collaborate with industry to raise standards in private security. The new requirements will contribute to this goal."

This time we're ready and set up in Liverpool with over 300 square metres of training area including classroom, bar area and dedicated safe area for all the physical intervention training you will need.

We share the same space with KarateLiverpool.co.uk

20/07/2024

before you can enrol on any "Refresher" course, you will need to complete the ACT Awareness and ACT Security E-learning modules.

Read the instructions on how to access the ACT Awareness and ACT Security E-learning modules here.

Step 1: Access Protect UK Website

Open a Web Browser:

Use a web browser of your choice (Chrome, Firefox, Safari, etc.).

Visit the Protect UK Website:

Enter the URL for Protect UK: https://www.protectuk.police.uk/catalogue



Step 2: Register or Log In

Create an Account (if you do not have one):

Click on the "Register" button usually found at the top right of the homepage.

Fill in the required information such as name, email address, and create a password.

Follow any further instructions to complete the registration process (e.g., email verification).

Log In (if you already have an account):

Click on the "Log In" button at the top right of the homepage.

Enter your email and password, then click "Log In."



Step 3: Navigate to E-Learning Modules

Find the E-Learning Section:

Once logged in, look for the "E-Learning" or "Training" section. This is typically accessible from the main menu or the user dashboard.

Locate ACT Awareness and ACT Security Modules:

Within the E-Learning section, search for "ACT Awareness e-Learning" and "ACT Security e-Learning" modules.

These modules might be listed under different categories or directly under a heading for ACT Training.



Step 4: Enrol and Complete the Modules

Enrol in the Modules:

Click on the module you want to complete (start with ACT Awareness e-Learning).

Look for an "Enrol" or "Start Course" button and click it to begin the module.

Complete the ACT Awareness e-Learning:

Follow the on-screen instructions to go through the course material.

The module may include videos, reading materials, and quizzes. Ensure you complete all parts.

Complete the ACT Security e-Learning:

Similarly, enrol in the ACT Security e-Learning module and follow the instructions to complete it.



Step 5: Certification (if applicable)

Receive Certification:

Upon successful completion of each module, you may receive a certificate.

Ensure you download or print the certificate for your records if one is provided.



Tips for Successful Completion:

Ensure a Stable Internet Connection:

E-Learning modules require continuous internet access to avoid interruptions.

Use a Supported Browser:

Check if the website has any specific browser requirements or recommendations.

Take Notes:

While completing the modules, take notes for better understanding and reference.

Complete Quizzes:

Pay attention to quizzes or assessments within the modules, as they are often necessary to complete the training.


If you encounter any issues or have questions during the process, look for a "Help" or "Support" section on the Protect UK website, or contact their support team for assistance.

If you are starting on your security journey, the Action Counters Terrorism (ACT) Awareness e-Learning package is a good place to start.

03/05/2024

The British Security Industry Authority (SIA) has demanded improvements to the training for security professionals, introducing new measures to bolster skills and establish consistent competence standards across the sector.
​Among the notable advancements are the inclusion of medical skills and counter-terrorism awareness training, which are especially crucial for those working in this industry. The SIA recognizes the diverse skill requirements across different sectors of the security industry, highlighting the importance of tailoring training to specific needs.
Moreover, the approach to training delivery is shifting towards a hybrid model that combines classroom instruction with self-study, adapting to the dynamic nature of security operations.
​Since October 2022, security professionals needing to renew their SIA licenses in the UK must complete further training to maintain the workforce's expected high standards; the sort that reinforces essential skills for emergency medical interventions, conflict management, physical interventions, and actions to counter terrorism.
​These efforts to advance training and standards are pivotal in ensuring that security personnel are well-prepared for their roles and by establishing clear standards and fostering opportunities for professional development, the security industry is set for ongoing improvement and growth.

31/01/2024

On Monday 5 February, ACT Awareness and ACT Security will become available in one place on the ProtectUK website.

Designed to be accessed via a desktop device or tablet, ACT Security e-learning is a specialised counter-terror awareness training that gives up-to-date counter-terrorism knowledge to help operatives prepare for terrorist incidents.

To access the ACT Security e-learning from 5 February, you will no longer need to request a pin via email to register. You will be able to register and log in on the ProtectUK website.

The course takes around 1 hour 15 minutes, and its flexible delivery will allow the user to pause and save progress.

When taken with ACT Awareness e-learning, it covers the entire counter-terrorism content for the licence-linked qualifications and top-up training.

Visit the ProtectUK hub for ACT e-learning:
https://www.protectuk.police.uk/catalogue


Counter Terrorism Policing