BBC investigation uncovers fraudulent security courses

An investigation by BBC File on 4 has found that security guards are able to obtain work licences after attending illegitimate training courses.

An undercover reporter was able to pay extra to complete a six-day course in just a day and a half. He was also told to fill in timesheets for all six days despite not attending.

Completion of a six-day training course enables someone to apply for an SIA license, which then means they can work security jobs in venues like nightclubs and arenas. Shortened courses are against regulations.

At one course, the undercover reporter and other participants were given the answers to a multiple choice exam.

The Security Industry Authority (SIA) has responded to the investigation in a statement: "The behaviours captured in this documentary are both shocking and disappointing – it throws shade on parts of a training industry that is relied on to play its part in public safety.

"We have launched an investigation into the findings of the undercover operation conducted by BBC File on 4. We are working with the qualifications regulator in England (Ofqual) and awarding organisations it regulates to further examine the issues highlighted by File on 4.

"The Ofqual-approved awarding organisations have confirmed to the SIA that the training providers featured have been suspended pending further investigation.

"We have suspended the licence of one individual featured in this documentary and have referred the footage that indicates criminality to the Metropolitan Police Service. We expect any training provider found to be involved in malpractice to face the appropriate sanctions.

"We will be closely assessing File on 4’s materials to determine what more action the SIA can take with the individuals captured in the footage. We will, as we have done previously with File on 4, ask for full disclosure of all the materials they have gathered in the making of this documentary to assist further with our inquiries and those of the other agencies."

Image by Ryan McGuire from Pixabay