Timeline & Consultation: What Security Professionals Need to Know About the Next 18 Months

The Security Industry Authority just dropped massive news. On November 5, 2025, they launched their most comprehensive review of SIA licence-linked qualifications in years. This isn't just another policy update: it's an 18-month transformation that will reshape how security training works across the UK.

Every security professional needs to understand what's coming. Whether you're a frontline officer, supervisor, trainer, or employer, these changes will impact your career directly.

What's Actually Happening

The SIA is completely overhauling the qualifications system. They're examining every aspect of training requirements, from basic content through to specialist skills. This review covers Door Supervisor courses, CCTV training, Close Protection qualifications, and every other SIA-linked programme.

The scope is enormous. They're looking at safety-critical skills like physical intervention and searching techniques. They're updating counter-terror content to match current threats. They're addressing new challenges like dealing with social media auditors and implementing new technologies.

Most importantly, they're tackling training fraud head-on through Operation Resolute: their new enforcement initiative designed to eliminate malpractice in the training sector.

The 18-Month Timeline Breakdown

Months 1-6 (November 2025 – April 2026): Research and Engagement

The SIA is conducting informal engagement with industry professionals. They're forming specialist expert working groups with real-world security experience. These groups will review each course type and provide feedback on current content effectiveness.

This is your window to influence the changes. The SIA wants input from everyone: officers, supervisors, employers, and training providers. Your experience matters in shaping what comes next.

Months 7-12 (May 2026 – October 2026): Formal Consultation

Following the initial research, formal public consultations begin. This phase involves detailed proposals for changes, with opportunities for structured feedback from the entire security industry. The proposals will cover specific qualification amendments, new content requirements, and updated assessment methods.

Months 13-18 (November 2026 – April 2027): Implementation

The final phase involves implementing approved changes. Training providers must update course materials, adjust delivery methods, and ensure compliance with new standards. This includes time for awarding bodies to modify qualifications and for the private sector to adapt.

Key Areas Under Review

Safety-Critical Skills Enhancement

Physical intervention techniques are getting major updates. The current training doesn't always reflect real-world scenarios security professionals face. Expect more comprehensive coverage of de-escalation strategies, restraint techniques, and risk assessment protocols.

Searching procedures are also being expanded. The review specifically mentions searching wheelchairs and other specialist techniques that weren't adequately covered before. These updates acknowledge the diverse environments where security professionals work.

Counter-Terror Content Updates

Terror threat levels continue to evolve. The qualifications need to reflect current intelligence and emerging threats. Expect enhanced coverage of suspicious behaviour recognition, evacuation procedures, and coordination with emergency services.

The ACT e-learning programme is becoming standard across security courses. This ensures every licensed operative has consistent anti-terror awareness regardless of their specific role.

Emerging Issues and New Technologies

Social media auditors represent a new challenge for security professionals. These individuals deliberately test security protocols while filming for online content. The updated training will cover how to handle these situations professionally while maintaining security standards.

New technologies in security equipment require updated training protocols. From advanced CCTV systems to contactless access controls, operatives need current knowledge to perform effectively.

English Language and First Aid Requirements

Language skills testing is being reviewed to ensure operatives can communicate effectively in emergency situations. Current requirements may not adequately assess practical communication abilities.

First aid skills demonstration is also under scrutiny. The review will determine whether current first aid training meets the needs of modern security environments.

How Training Providers Are Adapting

Quality Requirements Increase

Training providers face stricter quality requirements. The SIA is reviewing the occupational expertise and qualifications required for trainers delivering licence-linked courses. This ensures instructors have relevant, current experience.

Technological innovation in assessment methods will make exams less vulnerable to cheating. Expect enhanced security measures in testing environments and potentially new assessment formats.

Course Content Expansion

Existing content is being made more comprehensive. Areas like spiking awareness are getting enhanced coverage to reflect current threats in hospitality and entertainment venues.

Close protection training is being examined to ensure adequate content depth. The review will determine whether current course hours and content meet the demands placed on close protection operatives.

What This Means for Your Career

Enhanced Professional Standards

These changes elevate the entire security profession. Updated qualifications mean better-trained operatives, which improves the industry's reputation and career prospects for everyone involved.

Higher standards often lead to better pay rates and working conditions. Employers value well-trained staff and are willing to invest in quality security services.

Continuing Professional Development

Current licence holders should expect refresher training requirements. While specific details aren't confirmed, staying current with new standards will likely become mandatory for licence renewal.

Professional development opportunities will expand as training providers develop advanced courses to meet the new standards.

Getting Involved in the Process

Join the Expert Working Groups

The SIA is actively seeking security professionals with real-world experience to participate in specialist working groups. These groups review specific course types and make recommendations for improvements.

Contact the SIA directly to express interest in participating. Your frontline experience provides valuable insight that policy makers need to hear.

Respond to Consultations

When formal consultations begin in mid-2026, submit detailed responses. Whether you're an individual operative or represent a company, your feedback shapes the final qualifications.

Focus on practical issues you've encountered. Real-world examples help policy makers understand what works and what needs improvement.

Stay Informed

Follow SIA communications regularly. Key dates and milestones are available on their website, and they'll publish updates throughout the 18-month process.

Join industry associations and professional networks. These groups often coordinate responses to consultations and provide updates on proposed changes.

Training Provider Selection

Choose Future-Ready Providers

Not all training providers will adapt equally well to the changes. Look for providers already investing in updated content and enhanced delivery methods.

Zems Academy is monitoring these developments closely and preparing to implement new standards as they're finalised. Established providers with strong industry connections are better positioned to deliver quality training throughout the transition period.

Quality Indicators

Look for training providers with qualified instructors who have current security industry experience. The SIA review emphasises trainer expertise, making this more important than ever.

Facilities and equipment should reflect current security industry standards. Providers using outdated methods or equipment may struggle to meet new requirements.

Operation Resolute Impact

Training Fraud Elimination

Operation Resolute targets fraud and malpractice in the training sector. This enforcement initiative will pursue, disrupt, and sanction those undermining the regulatory regime.

Legitimate training providers welcome this action. It eliminates unfair competition from providers offering substandard training or fraudulent certifications.

Industry Reputation Protection

By eliminating training malpractice, Operation Resolute protects the entire security industry's reputation. This benefits every licensed operative through improved professional standing and career opportunities.

Choose training providers with transparent practices and verifiable track records. Avoid providers offering unrealistic promises or suspiciously low prices.

Preparing for Changes

Current Licence Holders

Stay current with your continuing professional development. While specific refresher requirements aren't confirmed, maintaining current knowledge and skills positions you well for any changes.

Consider advanced training in areas being enhanced, such as counter-terror awareness or conflict management. Early adoption of improved skills provides career advantages.

New Entrants

If you're planning to enter the security industry, these changes create opportunities. Enhanced training standards mean better preparation for your security career.

Start your training journey with providers committed to quality and current with industry developments. The investment in proper training pays dividends throughout your career.

Employers and Contractors

Plan for potential training updates for your existing staff. Budget for refresher training or additional qualifications as requirements are finalised.

Consider the competitive advantages of having better-trained staff. Enhanced qualifications often justify higher service rates and attract premium clients.

Next Steps

The next 18 months represent a pivotal period for UK security training. These changes will elevate professional standards and improve career prospects across the industry.

Stay engaged with the consultation process. Your input shapes the future of security training in the UK. Whether through expert working groups, formal consultations, or industry discussions, your voice matters.

Choose training providers positioned to deliver quality throughout this transition. Zems Academy is preparing to implement new standards while maintaining the high-quality training that builds successful security careers.

Book your security training now to get qualified before changes take effect. Contact Zems Academy to discuss how these developments impact your training plans and career goals.

The future of security training is being written now. Be part of shaping it.