The Shield Group has developed a genuine Level 5 Diploma in Total Security Solutions (TSS), Vigilance can report. With margins being squeezed in the security industry training has often been reduced to save money. The Shield Group has taken the opportunity to invest in management development with the creation of the new diploma.
The IQ (Industry Qualifications) have agreed to put the qualification on to their framework as a customised award, giving this new qualification genuine awarding body status. This award carries Level 5 status (Pre-graduate) and takes the candidate approximately three years to complete.
Vigilance learnt the Shield Group Diploma in Total Security Solutions (SGD-TSS) will be gained by candidates who successfully complete certain designated qualifications, giving students a clear pathway through Shield’s newly established, state-of-the-art Management Development Centre (MDC) and into senior management positions within The Shield Group and beyond.
The SGD-TSS Diploma will be awarded in the following disciplines:
• IQ Level 3 Award in Security Supervision – Delivered by the MDC • CIEH Level 3 in Health and Safety Awareness – Delivered by the MDC • IQ Level 4 in Security Risk Management – Delivered by the MDC • BTEC Level 5 Diploma in Management Studies – Delivered by Shield’s training partner SAFE (Security and Facilities Education)
These QCF(Qualifications and Credit Framework, accredited by Qfqual (Office of Qualification and examination regulator - Government regulatory authority)) registered qualifications are all externally verified and assessed by either comprehensive examinations or a submission of detailed course work and projects.
In addition to the above qualifications, the candidate will undertake a number of workshops on The Shield Group procedures and Total Security Services throughout the course that must be completed prior to the award being issued on successful application to the General Manager of Training.
A source at the SG said the pioneering Diploma already had several candidates who havd completed a number of the elements mentioned above and the first Level 5 BTEC Diploma course would begin in September 2013, resulting in the first SGD-TSS certificates being issued in September 2014.
The introduction of the new Diploma further reflects The Shield Group’s commitment to training its staff. Recently, The Shield Group invested over £1m into the innovative Management Development Centre. These pioneering initiatives have supported The Shield Group to achieve a high staff retention rate where 48% of its workforce have worked with the company for over 5 years while over 11% have been a part of the Shield family for more than 10 years. 80% of the Operation Managers, many who started as security officers, have also been internally promoted.
John Roddy, CEO of The Shield Group said: “The launch of The Shield Group’s Diploma in Total Security Solutions marks yet another exciting time in the company’s journey leading to become a market leader. As well as always putting the customers’ needs first to ensure their business runs smoothly, we believe it is also essential to invest in our staff and ensure they are fully trained so maximum service is provided to our customers.”