Written by Head of Training, Clare Causier
Failure to analyse training needs in the context of a specific environment’s security objectives can result in cookie-cutter training programmes that serve to tick a box and fall short of purpose.
Meaningful delivery of training is the beating heart of an organisation’s security system. Costly products, such as state of the art CCTV systems, play a role, but are personnel fully trained to read or act upon the data and information the technology is enabled to collect? Do they know how to recognise anomalies to the pattern of life during the course of a day? Do they know how to act decisively and escalate observations of suspicious behaviour?
In a similar vein, being certified after one security training course doesn’t necessarily guarantee the skills, knowledge and behaviour required to respond to an attack 12 months later. Repetitive performance assessment and testing, with frequent refresher training courses, form a crucial component to comprehensive training programmes to reinforce initial learnings and certification – especially in a constantly shifting threat landscape in an evolving world.
Training needs
With the exception of mandated training and quality assurance frameworks in aviation, training delivery is arbitrary from industry to industry despite the potentially devastating repercussions of inadequate training, as plainly revealed by the Manchester Arena Inquiry.
At any given time, an organisation needs to be aware of vulnerabilities in its security system through ongoing risk assessments and testing, which are designed to identify weaknesses in the wider context of the threat landscape, including new legislation and advancing technology. The resultant recommendations for risk mitigation measures inform the setting of organisational security objectives, without which training needs cannot be analysed.
Alongside the ‘ground truth’ of overall threat risk to an organisation, multiple additional factors influence the design and delivery of training programmes to meet organisational and individual objectives.
Different learning needs, personnel development requirements, culture, and the availability and standard of equipment are all aspects that need to be considered to build a bespoke and effective training curriculum. A commitment to providing training that takes a holistic approach generates deeper understanding amongst personnel of the roles they are employed to carry out within the wider security system. Conversely, poor standards of training result in low engagement rates and less than acceptable output and performance. Without question, there is no room for incompetence when there is a criminal or terrorist threat.
Technology and innovation
Technology-enabled advancements in training delivery mean remote training and eLearning management systems have become commonplace. Furthermore, data point-led delivery means learning outcomes can be accurately evaluated within the framework of a comprehensive training programme to ensure they are supporting the organisational security objectives as well as providing opportunities for continuous development of personnel.
Whilst the concept of a ‘classroom’ has taken on an evolved meaning, there is no substitute for the traditional classroom environment to facilitate interaction amongst delegates and one-to-one communication. Blended learning also has huge benefits, for example, participants may respond better to absorbing theoretical modules via eLearning whilst the practicalities of training employees to conduct thorough bag searches and providing feedback are best delivered in person.
A significant benefit of technology is the accessibility of training programmes it provides for a greater number of people, meaning a critical mass of educated personnel and access to a wider pool of skills. There is no value in wheeling out the same PowerPoint presentation year in, year out. Instead, training delivery must chime in time with advances in technology and societal shifts. For example, the increased awareness of neurodiversity in the workplace has resulted in the increased adoption of different learning techniques. Thoughtfully built inclusive training programmes consider aspects such as fonts and colours used in presentations to make sure every detail is delivered with clarity and is understandable.
Innovating and modifying training programmes removes barriers to access, providing channels for all to be the best version of themselves whilst equipping them with a deeper understanding of the integral role they have in meeting the organisation’s security objectives.
Standardisation
The security sector should work collaboratively towards setting a benchmark to raise the standard of training input and output across all industries, from events to Critical National Infrastructure (CNI). Security personnel are only as good as the training they receive. Trainers need to have the skills to deliver training input that goes far deeper than merely scratching the surface and be capable of adapting delivery styles, depending on need and audience, without judgement nor discrimination. They should be able to share theoretical and practical knowledge in equal measure, using the best knowledge transfer techniques to teach, test, mentor and develop personnel.
Reinforcing exceptional training standards is the meticulous preparation of high-quality materials used in training programmes. Training aid manuals, reference documents, creative content and delivery techniques that are scoped out under the umbrella of one independent training provider strengthens consistency of delivery standards, outcomes and evaluation and feeds into an ongoing cycle of improvement.
A greater emphasis on the professionalisation of training delivery, from robust risk assessment, analysis of competency and needs, and repetitive evaluation, forms the bedrock in the protection of the public, equipping those whose role it is to protect to carry out their responsibilities with confidence, commitment and purpose.
To find out more about our high-quality and cost-effective security training, speak to our experts at sales@trustredline.co.uk, and to view a full list of our training courses, visit: https://www.trustredline.co.uk/training/all-courses/.