RiskUKAugust2017

Training and Career Development
equipment is installed by a competent
professional. Some manufacturers and
installation companies do routinely outsource
the installation and maintenance of security
systems, but this is where a real risk can arise.
To date, there hasn’t been any recognised
means by which to check that a subcontractor’s
competencies and background
pass muster. By contrast, in the gas industry
both installers and maintenance engineers are
necessarily required to be Gas Safe (previously
CORGI)-registered.
Qualified installers
As the security and fire sectors move
increasingly towards integration, competent
and demonstrably qualified systems installers
and engineers are needed to ensure that
systems design, installation, servicing and
operation are all fit for purpose, comply with
current standards and, importantly, meet the
procuring end user’s needs.
Often overlooked by procurers and end users
are the issues relating to the retention of
personal data, compliance with legislation such
as the forthcoming EU General Data Protection
Regulation and how that data may be provided
in response to subject access requests. It also
needs to be asked whether the installer or
maintenance technician has been assessed, not
just in terms of their technical competence, but
also when it comes to their background and
probity. System installations at schools and
other sensitive locations in particular require
careful vetting considerations.
To address the absence of any meaningful
regulation or Code of Conduct governing
installers and maintenance technicians, Tavcom
Training has developed a professional Register
specifically for installers and those who
maintain fire and security systems. On Friday 1
September, the Register of Certified Technical
Security Professionals (to be found at
www.ctsp.org.uk) will go live.
The British Security Industry Association
(BSIA) and Dubai’s security sector Regulator
the Security Industry Regulatory Agency (SIRA)
have both welcomed and endorsed the creation
of the Register.
David Wilkinson, the BSIA’s director of
technical services, said: “We’re very pleased to
see this innovative registration that recognises
many of our security systems members. In such
a challenging technical environment, it’s more
important than ever to demonstrate the
professionalism of the personnel actively
representing our specific market sector.”
In recognising the CTSP Register, Khalifa
Ibrahim Al Saleis (CEO of SIRA) stated: “The
“Eligibility criteria for entry to the Register must be
evidenced and include a sound working knowledge of
electrical/electronic principles”
Dubai Government is renowned in the region for
setting the highest standards across all
elements of security. By law, engineers and
technicians who install and maintain security
systems are required to be licensed. On that
note, the CTSP Register will be another
effective way in which to ensure professional
standards are both achieved and maintained.”
Verifying competencies
The CTSP Register follows the framework of
other professional bodies, including the
Register of Chartered Security Professionals
which is increasingly regarded as the ‘Gold
Standard’ for those operating at the strategic
management level within the security arena.
The CTSP Register provides a resource that
allows end users, contractors and prospective
employers to verify that a given individual is
competent and qualified and has attained the
standard of a Certified Technical Security
Professional (CTSP).
The CTSP registration scheme aims to
formally recognise security systems installers
and maintainers and align them with their
peers across the electrotechnical industries
who possess similar skills/attributes. It also
allows the Registrant to highlight their own
credentials by using the post-nominals of
‘CTSP’ on business marketing materials.
The main disciplines covered by the CTSP
Register are CCTV, access control, intruder and
hold-up alarms, Internet Protocol and
networking solutions and fire alarm systems.
Each field of competence is listed on the CTSP
Register against the Registrant’s profile,
showing that they’re qualified to carry out work
within that specified field.
Eligibility criteria for entry to the Register
must be evidenced and include a recognised
industry-relevant qualification at QCF Level 3, a
good working knowledge of
electrical/electronic principles and a minimum
of 12 months’ worth of practical experience.
Applicants must be of good character and
free from any criminal convictions for
dishonesty, assault or sexual crimes. Two
personal references are required.
Registrants must also maintain a Continuing
Professional Development (CPD) record to
document their ongoing learning and affirm
that they actively demonstrate a commitment
towards their own future in the industry.
*The Certified Technical
Security Professional
registration process is
straightforward and can be
accessed via the website at
www.ctsp.org.uk The website
is now open for those wishing
to express an interest or who
wish to apply immediately.
However, the Register itself
will not go live and be open
to view until Friday 1
September 2017
**As is common with
Registers of this nature,
Registrants are subject to a
Code of Ethics and a
disciplinary process, with the
ultimate sanction being that a
Registrant may be struck off
the Register (thus
subsequently limiting their
ability to operate in the
security systems sector)
Kevin Matthew:
Certified Technical Security
Professional Registrar
63
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