February date for mandatory physical intervention training

Physical intervention training is to become mandatory for all door supervisors when they renew their SIA licence from February next year.

This training is already a compulsory part of the current nationally-recognised Award in Door Supervision introduced from June 2010. It is now to also become a requirement for those with the previous door supervision qualifications.

From 4 February 2013, all door supervisors with one of the older qualifications will need to pass the new ‘Up-Skilling Door Supervisors’ award before they are able to renew their SIA licence.

The award includes physical intervention skills training, awareness of terrorist threats, considerations in dealing with 14 to 18 year-olds and first aid awareness. Being trained in the appropriate techniques and how to use them will help door staff to manage difficult situations, minimising the risk of injury to members of the public and to themselves.

Any individual who currently holds a door supervisor licence but does not carry out licensable activities in this sector can, after 4 February 2013, on renewal of their licence obtain instead a security guarding licence and will not have to take the additional training.

SIA director of transition Dianne Tranmer said: “I encourage door supervisors who have the older qualifications to consider taking the new award as soon as they are able.

“Licence holders must have passed the training before they renew, so it is important that they allow sufficient time to complete it before their licence renewal date. Even if their licence is not due to be renewed for some time, completing the module now will ensure that they are equipped with the necessary knowledge and techniques to perform their role.”