While I recognise the need to ensure that those carrying out security work are reputable and reliable, there are far better ways of demonstrating this. Indeed, we’ve been using one such method successfully for many decades now: the concept of third-party accreditation.
Third-party accreditation keeps both clients and contractors safe, and doesn’t place an unnecessary burden on hard-working businesses looking to grow.
However, despite its proven track record, the march toward enforced licensing continues apace with plans afoot to expand SIA licensing to include companies operating in the public-space surveillance sector.
This means many Remote Video Receiving Centre (RVRC) operatives must be licensed by the SIA because the licensing requirement is now based on the principle that manned guarding firms conduct video surveillance.
In other words, an operative based in a remote monitoring centre who never has to deal directly with the public is now required to have the same training as a doorman at a nightclub – simply on the basis that both view CCTV footage!
‘Tick the box’
Without doubt, the SIA’s approach will frustrate many firms and lead to them needlessly spending money, sending staff on irrelevant training courses just to ‘tick the box’.
However, as Skills for Security launches its new Remote Monitoring Operations National Occupational Standards (NOC) for consultation, we have a chance to amend the system and make it work in our favour.
The new NOC can help prevent remote operators being treated as if they’re shopping mall CCTV operators watching members of the public on the off-chance that unusual activity may happen.
Potentially, our sector could draw up a framework to license remote operatives based on the NOC, meaning we can cut out the pointless training and let staff get on with the jobs they specialise in.
We believe licensing is unnecessary for our industry, as quality firms are already accredited by a UKAS-approved body such as SSAIB or NSI. But if licensing is inevitable, we can at least make it fit for purpose and work to minimise the burden it places on us.
The new NOC will give us a strong platform to build on if we’re prepared to stand up and grab the opportunity.
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