A new professional qualification has been launched to strengthen workplace readiness against terrorism. The SFJ Level 3 Award in Counter Terrorism Protective Security and Preparedness provides structured training for businesses and public sector organisations to understand and mitigate terrorism risks.

The course was developed by the National Counter Terrorism Security Office and SFJ Awards, with funding from the UK Home Office following recommendations from the Manchester Arena Inquiry.

Jon Savell, deputy assistant commissioner specialist operations, said: “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.”

The Ofqual-regulated qualification was launched at the Security and Policing event at Farnborough International Exhibition and Conference Centre this week.

David Higham, managing director from SFJ Awards, commented: “This is the only qualification endorsed by Counter Terrorism Policing, and enables learners and organisations to highlight the risks posed to them and their premises through terrorism.

“It has the added benefit of being regulated by Ofqual. Regulated qualifications bring with them the additional level of confidence that the course is high quality, will bring consistency to industry, and has real world application. It will enable workforces to be better prepared for dealing with terrorism issues, and enable them to set up counter terrorism preparedness plans.”

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