New Counter Terrorism Policing qualification launched to boost workplace preparedness

A new national qualification designed to help organisations better prepare for the threat of terrorism has been launched this week, with thousands of professionals expected to upskill in protective security and preparedness.

The SFJ Level 3 Award in Counter Terrorism Protective Security and Preparedness has been developed by the National Counter Terrorism Security Office (NaCTSO), part of Counter Terrorism Policing, in partnership with awarding body SFJ Awards.

The Ofqual-regulated qualification aims to strengthen protective security across workplaces by equipping staff with practical knowledge and tools to identify and mitigate potential terrorism risks.

The course was officially launched at the UK Government’s global security event, Security and Policing, held at the Farnborough International Exhibition and Conference Centre.

Developed with funding from the Home Office, the qualification responds to recommendations made in the Manchester Arena Inquiry and is intended to support organisations in improving their preparedness for terrorist threats.

Deputy Assistant Commissioner Jon Savell, from Counter Terrorism Policing Specialist Operations, said the training provides a practical framework for those responsible for safety and security in workplaces.

“Our main goal is to keep the public safe from the threat of terrorism, and this is now a tangible piece of training that staff in security, health and safety, and operational professions can obtain.

“Those taking the qualification will come away with practical tools to mitigate the risk of terrorism to their organisation or business – and by extension, the public. With the backdrop of increasing terror threats, this is absolutely essential to employer resilience. Keeping people safe from terrorism is everyone’s responsibility.”

Deputy Assistant Commissioner Jon Savell.

Individuals who complete the course will be formally recognised in counter-terrorism protective security and preparedness, helping organisations strengthen their ability to assess threats and develop response plans.

According to SFJ Awards, the qualification is the only course currently endorsed by Counter Terrorism Policing and has been designed to provide consistent, high-quality training for professionals responsible for security and risk management.

Approved training providers will receive a full delivery package to run the course, including e-learning modules, lesson plans, learner manuals, sample assessments and assessor guidance developed by NaCTSO and SFJ Awards.

Courses are already underway, and organisations are being encouraged to adopt the training to strengthen their security capabilities and support compliance with evolving regulatory requirements.

Training providers who want to get approved to deliver the qualification can register here: sfjawards.com/centres/become-a-centre.

Alongside the qualification launch, officials also confirmed that the Counter Terrorism Security Specialists Register will begin accepting enquiries and expressions of interest from 1 April.

The register will become part of the General Security Advisor category within the National Protective Security Authority-sponsored Register of Security Engineers and Specialists, with NaCTSO continuing to help set standards for counter-terrorism protective security and preparedness.

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