Investing in our industry will see security soar as a career of choice
With rising terrorist threats, an increasing number of dangers on our streets and limited police resources, our industry stands ready to support efforts to create safer communities. Access to talent will be key to delivering this.
The Security Skills Board, a group of experienced volunteers from across the security sector, was born from a recognition that the perception of the industry must change, and that skills, training and structure is the way to do this.
Two and a half years on from the launch of the Board and with 207 employers signed up to the Security Skills Pledge to date, we kickstarted 2025 by announcing a suite of new initiatives.
A case for a National Security Skills Academy
Our research shows that over half (54%) of SMEs and micro-organisations do not think there are enough opportunities for training and career development in security. That needs to change. We owe it to the industry to take this on board, futureproof security as a profession and support enhanced public safety.
National Skills Academies have been set up across a wide range of industries and it is now time for security to join them.
The National Skills Academy for Food & Drink, The National Skills Academy for Rail and The Engineering Construction Industry Training Board have shown us that expert training and support helps individuals to identify and fill their skills gaps, advancing and developing their career paths. The National Security Skills Academy can do the same.
The Academy will help our industry build a pipeline of talent to feed the plethora of roles available in our sector. We want to create meaningful learning experiences and rewarding careers whilst protecting people and places. This can happen by improving access to learning opportunities so that the workforce has the skills to tackle the emerging challenges the industry is facing into.
Mentorship to make a difference
The Breakfast event the Skills Board hosted to launch our new initiatives was the largest gathering of industry leaders that I can remember in my 30 years in the industry. The spirit of collaboration and support in the room was overwhelming. This is why alongside the Academy, the ‘Momentum’ mentoring scheme has been launched to support the training development of industry mentors.
The best way to succeed and develop careers within this industry is by working together to bolster up our workforce. The programme will train mentors to promote the benefits of working in the industry within their own organisations, as well as in schools and colleges and at career fairs, inspiring the next generation of security professionals. Experienced professionals can give something back to our industry by sharing experiences.
A career with continuous development
A Profession Map will also be introduced to act as a personalised framework for continuous professional development (CPD) at all career levels. Being able to map out a career path can improve clarity on where someone currently stands in their career and provide inspiration on what the next steps are towards achieving their career goals.
As someone who started as a security officer on the ground, being able to see where I could end up and the path to getting there would have been a huge motivator.
We must come together to back the Board
The Board cannot do this alone though, and we must look at the Academy as an all-industry response to a changing security landscape. National Skills Academies are traditionally funded via government and employer-matched funding, meaning the Skills Board is seeking industry leaders to bring financial and pastoral support to help establish the academy.
I have been amazed by the offers of support from so many of my industry peers and the SIA and I invite everyone in the industry to join us on this transformational journey to make security a career of choice.
Jason Towse
Managing Director
Business Services, Mitie and Chair of the Security Skills Board
