On 16^th May, the Level 4 Protective Security Adviser Qualification was launched at Mitie’s headquarters at The Shard. Available firstly as a standalone Level 4 qualification, it will also soon become available as an apprenticeship.

Developed in collaboration with leading experts from The Security Institute, National Protective Security Authority (NPSA), National Cyber Security Centre, UK NACE, and Skills for Justice, this programme aims to equip security professionals with the skills needed across the four major disciplines of protective security – physical, personnel, technical and cyber.

As the threat landscape evolves, the need for formally trained, competent, and trusted protective security advisers has never been greater. The different areas of security often operate in silos in the real world and effective protective security risk management highlights the need for converged solutions. This qualification aims to set a new benchmark for integrated, scenario-based learning and assessment, aligned with national standards and government guidance across all security disciplines. The qualification will be available to both public and private sectors, fostering a baseline competence across the sector. Upward of 10,000 security professionals are expected to receive the training over the next five years.

The programme is assessed through a combination of written coursework and scenario-based tasks, ensuring that learners are not only absorbing theoretical principles but also applying them in practical, real-world contexts. Upon successful completion, candidates will receive a recognised qualification that demonstrates both competence and credibility in a rapidly growing field.

Emma Shaw, Managing Director, Intelligence Services, Mitie said:

“The launch of the Level 4 Certificate for Protective Security Advisers is a much-anticipated step towards upskilling the industry, making security a career of choice and strengthening national security capabilities.

“We are proud to be the first to deliver this qualification, and to be providing the training for such an important mission. With options for both industry newcomers and existing security professionals to access the qualification, we hope it will set a high bar across the board.”

A spokesperson for the Protective Security Centre, Government Security Group said:

 “The Level 4 Certificate for Protective Security Advisers has been developed as a revolutionary training programme for the security sector. This innovative qualification integrates the main security disciplines, addressing gaps in knowledge, skills, and behaviours to encourage and enable security convergence.

“Endorsed by all three National Technical Authorities, this is the first qualification of its kind. Our collaboration spans across Government, Industry Partners, and Academia, with the shared goal of cultivating the next generation of security leaders.”

Professor Simon Hepburn, CEO, The Security Institute said:

“The Level 4 Protective Security Adviser Qualification and Apprenticeship are a timely and vital contribution to the UK’s national security landscape. As a member of the core trailblazer group, The Security Institute is proud to have supported its development, which represents a significant step forward in formalising the skills, standards, and professional expectations of those working in protective security roles. In a complex threat environment, a converged approach to security training has been a pressing need for quite some time: with this award, we have set a new benchmark that will help build national capability and trust.”

 To find out more information about the apprenticeship and qualification, please visit the Security Institute website: https://www.security-institute.org/level-4-protective-security-adviser-qualification

Learn more about how the new qualification will enable security professionals to adopt a security convergence approach on the NPSA website:  https://www.npsa.gov.uk/blog/news/level-4-protective-security-qualification

Hear MI5 Director General Ken McCallum explain why he welcomes this new approach here on the NPSA Youtube account: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GLgYv2eGD5k