The Shield Group is again leading the industry with the development of a genuine level 5 Diploma in Total Security Solutions (TSS). 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.
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.
The pioneering Diploma already has several candidates who have completed a number of the elements mentioned above and the first Level 5 BTEC Diploma course will 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.
Speaking about the new Diploma and The Shield Group’s commitment to investing in its workforce, John Roddy, CEO of The Shield Group, commented: ‘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.’
With projected sales of £70 million for the fiscal year 2013-14 The Shield Group has geared up its presence throughout the UK by widening its national footprint to Glasgow, Leeds, Manchester, Birmingham, Bristol and Belfast. Additionally, the company installed two regional head quarters’ based in the City of London at Austin Friars covering the South of England and in Preston covering the north of the UK and Northern Ireland. Its location in the City Centre will support The Shield Group to continue to push the boundaries of the provision of total security services to the corporate community. Recently The Shield Group activated the Shield Monitoring System in Preston, UK, which has full Category II status, is compliant with BS5979 and will enhance the range of services that the company can provide to its clients.