New SIA refresher training update

The SIA has announced that the new refresher qualification will be available from 1 October 2025.

The refresher will update the safety-critical skills that close protection operatives use to keep the public safe.

Licence holders who plan to renew their licence are encouraged to take the training as soon as possible.

In April 2022, the SIA introduced new licence-linked qualifications for close protection. Accredited ‘top-up’ awards for close protection operatives were introduced in October 2022 as a requirement for renewing licences.

By October 2025 most close protection licence holders will have completed the ‘top-up’ training and will be qualified to the same standard as those who have the more up-to-date training.

Tony Holyland, Head of Individual Standards for the SIA, said: "Close protection operatives are security professionals tasked with protecting individuals from threats. The refresher training for close protection licence holders is designed to ensure that operatives continue to have the skills and knowledge to undertake aspects of their role safely.  

"We sought views from subject matter experts in the close protection field to assess and agree content in areas of the licence-linked qualification most likely to be subject to skills fade. 

"It is essential that the training is regularly updated to respond to the emerging risks and threats to public safety 

"Security professionals take pride in keeping up to date, and I would like to thank the industry for its support with this initiative."