Public Service Courses
Professional Security Operative
Overview
The broad purpose of the occupation is to be an organisation’s first line of defence against activities that threaten the security of the UK and continuity of its organisations’ core businesses. Professional security operatives protect people, assets, property and premises via a layered security approach. This includes the need to enforce legal requirements, policies, procedures (including Standard Operating Procedures and Emergency Operating Procedures) and rules to provide a safe and secure environment.
Professional security operatives monitor assigned areas to act as a deterrent, identify hostile reconnaissance, identify suspicious items, people, or vehicles and respond to alarms, incidents and emergencies. They will conduct regular and random searches and report and record information following organisational procedure. Through the performance of these duties, professional security operatives also play a key role in counter terrorism activity.
There are four pathways for this standard:
Operational security operatives
Cash and valuables in transit (CViT) operatives
Mobile security patrol operatives
Security control room operatives
Apprenticeships Available
Level 2 Professional Security Operative
Typical Duration
12 Months
Career Progression
With experience, you could become a supervisor, senior or chief security officer.
You could take further qualifications, through an advanced Security First Line Manager apprenticeship to go into security management.
With management experience you could become an area security manager, with responsibility for offices, shops or other facilities across a region.
You could specialise as a consultant, advising businesses on certain types of security, for example close protection, anti-terror measures or conflict management.
You could also set up your own security recruitment agency, or work for companies that develop and sell security systems, like biometrics or surveillance equipment.
Safeguarding Support Officer
Overview
The broad purpose of the occupation is to support an organisation in protecting children, young people and adults who may be at risk of harm, abuse, neglect, exploitation or radicalisation. Safeguarding Support Officers play a vital role in helping organisations meet their safeguarding responsibilities and create safe environments for those they support.
Working as part of a safeguarding team, they act as a key point of contact for safeguarding concerns, supporting the identification, recording, reporting and management of safeguarding issues. They work closely with colleagues, external agencies and stakeholders to ensure safeguarding procedures are followed and appropriate action is taken when concerns arise.
Safeguarding Support Officers may work in a variety of settings, including education, healthcare, housing, charities, public services, sports organisations, community services and voluntary sector organisations.
Their responsibilities can include maintaining safeguarding records, supporting investigations, monitoring safeguarding cases, promoting safeguarding awareness, assisting with policy implementation and contributing to a culture of safeguarding throughout the organisation.
Apprenticeships Available
Level 3 Safeguarding Support Officer
Typical Duration
18 Months
Career Progression
Upon completion, apprentices may progress into more senior safeguarding roles or specialist positions within safeguarding and welfare services.
Career opportunities may include:
- Safeguarding Officer
- Senior Safeguarding Officer
- Designated Safeguarding Lead (with additional experience and training)
- Safeguarding Coordinator
- Welfare and Inclusion Officer
- Family Support Practitioner
- Community Support Officer
- Housing Safeguarding Officer
- Education Welfare Officer
The apprenticeship can also provide a pathway into wider careers within public services, education, healthcare, social care, housing and community support, as well as further professional development and higher-level qualifications in safeguarding, leadership or related disciplines.
