Counter terrorism training – keeping up with modern threats

The unpredictable and devastating nature of terrorism means that we always need to be a few steps ahead of rapidly evolving terrorist threats. This is why counter terrorism training should be constantly evolving in the learning syllabus for security apprenticeships.

Whilst the current Professional Security Operative (PSO) Level 2 apprenticeship programme provides comprehensive and practical counter terrorism training in line with existing industry guidelines, there is still a need to continuously evaluate existing counter terrorism training and look to update it where possible.

With the increasing likelihood of new security legislations, including Martyn’s Law, coming into effect, organisations need to be able to readily and quickly update counter terrorism training to reflect the requirements of new laws. By doing so, they can empower security personnel with the right knowledge and tools to combat terrorism to ensure public safety.

Going beyond current counter terrorism training

A key part of counter terrorism training in security apprenticeship courses is to help apprentices develop and maintain a heightened awareness of current national and local risk levels for threats of terrorist activity.

The counter terrorism learning modules and duties that are currently in place for the security apprenticeship cover a broad range of practical and theoretical training and assessments.

For example, three of the duties that apprentices are expected to successfully complete from the apprenticeship syllabus are: requiring learners to properly escalate security-related incidents, such as terror attacks, to the right personnel through the right channels; develop and maintain heightened awareness of current national and local risk levels, threats, and potential terrorist activity; and identify potential terror attack suspects by monitoring and tracking them on control room equipment or CCTV systems.

Apprentices will also be expected to complete the ACT (Action Counter Terrorism) Awareness e-learning course, an online course that teaches security operatives the best practices to help counter terrorism and increase security awareness and preparedness. There is also the opportunity to put these learnings into practice through practical training duties, including identifying and escalating security-related incidents such as terror attacks effectively and in a timely manner.

Additionally, Security Control Room Operatives will also learn how to use control room equipment and CCTV systems to identify potential terrorist threats or other safety incidents and respond appropriately.

Whilst these counter terrorism learning modules and job role responsibilities in the security apprenticeship programme are all robust and relevant, it’s important that we continue to expand our teaching programmes on counter terrorism. Aligning with new government policies and terrorist threat intelligence should be a key industry priority.

Martyn’s Law – lessons we must learn

With the consultation for the introduction of the new draft Terrorism (Protection of Premises) Bill, known as Martyn’s Law, in full swing, the security industry will need to remain prepared for when it officially becomes law. Martyn’s Law was created in honour of Martyn Hett, one of the victims of the harrowing 2017 Manchester Arena terror attack. In the aftermath of the attack, a three-part inquiry investigating the terror incident was opened and reported on the key findings and learnings from the investigation.

Unfortunately, there are many regretful lessons from the Manchester Arena Inquiry, many of which can help to prevent future incidents.

From a training and development perspective, the key findings and learnings from the inquiry were eye-opening and it is vital that as an industry we now take the opportunity to supplement existing counter terrorism training for the security apprenticeship programme with lessons from the investigation. This can help apprentices to better identify and mitigate potential threats, which will ultimately save lives.

The inquiry provided many key insights that we can use in existing counter terrorism training, some of which include the importance of effective coordination and communication, information sharing, and the use of appropriate communication channels. The margins for error are very small and this can make all the difference in the event of an emergency.

Another key learning from the inquiry is the need to take a proactive approach to identifying and addressing potential security vulnerabilities. We need to be able to teach our colleagues how to identify vulnerabilities skilfully and confidently, and proactively address them.

The inquiry also highlights the importance of recognising and understanding the evolving nature of security threats and the need to remain vigilant, as findings from the investigation following the terror attack showed a lack of staff preparedness, communication, and insufficient information sharing between the parties responsible for security in the Manchester Arena. All of these things can make a significant difference in deterring or mitigating terror attacks.

These are just some of the key findings and learnings from the Manchester Arena Inquiry that can help prepare security apprentices and other security colleagues for terror attacks. At Mitie, we have already rolled out an internal e-learning module covering part one of the inquiry as part of our training programme, which is available for all our security colleagues in preparation for Martyn’s Law.

As an industry it is our responsibility to give our colleagues all the necessary knowledge and tools to ensure they are well informed and compliant with Martyn’s Law, and the training we provide for them as part of their apprenticeships will be central to this.

Incorporating learnings from the Manchester Arena Inquiry into security training programmes will be crucial for enhancing public safety, preventing future incidents, and ensuring that security personnel are well-prepared to address evolving threats.

Jason Towse

Managing Director,

Business Services,

Mitie, and Chair of the Security Skills Board