SFJ Awards is proud to announce that the Certificate for Protective Security Advisers qualification is now accredited in Scotland, marking a significant step forward in our mission to raise professional standards in protective security and resilience training across the UK.
Strengthening the UK’s security workforce
Protective security is central to keeping people, organisations and communities safe. Professionals in this field assess threats, identify vulnerabilities and implement measures that enhance national resilience.
The SFJ Awards Certificate for Protective Security Advisers is designed to develop the knowledge and practical skills required to operate effectively in these critical roles.
This the the first qualification we plan to make available in Scotland, mirroring similar qualifications currently available in England, Wales and Northern Ireland. It ensures that Scottish learners and employers can access nationally recognised protective security qualifications tailored to their specific operational context.
The operational start date for the qualification is expected to be in early 2026.
Supporting learners and employers in Scotland
As an awarding body accredited by SQA Accreditation (which will become Qualifications Scotland in February 2026) SFJ Awards is uniquely positioned to deliver qualifications that meet Scotland’s distinct legal and operational frameworks.
This latest accreditation demonstrates our commitment to ensuring that security and resilience professionals in Scotland have access to qualifications that are relevant, high-quality, and benchmarked against UK-wide standards.
“We’re thrilled to expand our accredited provision into Scotland,” says Kit Salt, Director of Partnerships and Innovation at SFJ Awards. “This milestone means Scottish employers and learners can now access qualifications that are both nationally recognised and locally relevant, helping to raise the standard of practice across the protective security and resilience sectors.”
Investing in the future of the protective services
The accreditation of the Certificate for Protective Security Advisers reflects our ongoing investment in the protective services sector and our commitment to supporting the workforce of the future. We are dedicated to raising standards and providing flexible, credible routes for individuals and organisations who protect the public and critical infrastructure.
By working in partnership with employers, training providers, and sector bodies, SFJ Awards ensures that every qualification reflects current industry needs and best practice. Our qualifications support professional development across public safety, policing, fire and rescue, emergency response, defence, and other resilience-related fields.
About the Certificate for Protective Security Advisers
More than 50 representatives from both the public and private sector sat on the expert working group to design the qualification and provide feedback.
The content of the certificate has been endorsed by all three of the government’s National Technical Authorities: National Protective Security Authority (NPSA), UK National Authority for Counter Eavesdropping (NACE) and National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) – the first ever security sector qualification to do so.
Endorsement by National Technical Authorities reflects the increasingly complex nature of the security threats posed by serious and organised crime and the need for convergence.
Learners gain an understanding of protective security principles, threat management and risk assessment – equipping them to support safer, more resilient workplaces and communities.
Let’s work together
We’re now accepting applications from training providers interested in offering the new certificate in Scotland. Whether you’re a college, independent provider, or in-house training team, we’re here to support you from initial approval through to successful outcomes.
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