Competent Person in the Workplace Scheme - Early Engagement & Scoping

As part of the Competent Persons Scheme (CPS), the Competent Person in the Workplace (CPIW) qualification will award successful students who complete the course and assessments with a Level 3 qualification stating that they have been educated and informed on the subject of counter-terrorism threat mitigation in order to meet the recommendations of the Manchester Arena Inquiry (MAI) and the Publicly Accessible Locations (PALs) programme.

Following a change in the threat landscape and a need to adopt a lessons-learnt approach from previous attacks and inquests, a multi-layered, lily pad delivery framework was created as part of government's new approach to protecting publicly accessible locations (PALs). This 'PALS Programme' seeks to pilot new approaches to engage with Sites, Groups, Zones and Sectors.

The CPS forms a pivotal part of the Sites aspect by seeking to upskill and professionalise those working to provide counter terrorism protective security advice and guidance.

Following initial exploration and engagement with Ofqual and Homeland Security Group (HSG), the PALs' future operating model (FOM) envisages National Counter Terrorism Security Office (NaCTSO) working alongside an Ofqual-recognised awarding body to create an accredited course that adheres to the standards set by Ofqual. The qualification would be internationally recognised and would be delivered by a series of approved private sector training providers who have met Ofqual's requirements and, as such, are quality assured by Ofqual-implemented mechanisms as part of their accreditation as an awarding body. This model enables several approved training providers to deliver the course simultaneously, thereby assisting in managing potential demand. The use of Ofqual-approved training providers will also provide an element of quality assurance of the suitability of course trainers.

Further information can be found in the high level SoR document attached to this notice. There is also a document to register your interest in this opportunity, either as a training provider or as a recipient of the training.

Additional information: If this is an opportunity of interest to you and you are an Ofqual accredited awarding body, please get in touch via the email address listed on the attachments.