In today’s operating environment, every organisation from global corporations to SMEs, charities to public-facing venues, is navigating a landscape where threats are more complex, more interconnected, and more unpredictable.
Businesses invest in productivity, digital transformation, customer experience, and workforce capability. Yet one factor underpins them all: security. Without a resilient approach to protective security and preparedness, the success and continuity of any organisation can be undermined in moments.
At SFJ Awards, our work across public services, justice, and high-stakes environments gives us expert insight in to how critical robust security practices have become. It’s also what drives our commitment to equipping the workforce with the skills and confidence to keep people, assets, and operations safe.
The risk landscape has changed, and so must businesses
Security is no longer the concern of specialist sectors alone. Every business now faces a convergence of risks:
1. Increased public-facing vulnerability
Retail spaces, hospitality venues, transport hubs, entertainment settings, and workplaces that welcome visitors are all more exposed. Public spaces can quickly become high-risk environments if staff are unprepared.
2. Evolving threat behaviours
Whether it’s hostile reconnaissance, insider risk, cyber-enabled threats, or low-tech but high-impact attacks, adversaries are adapting. Businesses need teams who understand how to recognise suspicious behaviours early and respond appropriately.
3. The rising expectation of duty of care
Employees, customers, and communities expect organisations to take proactive steps to keep them safe. Increasing scrutiny from regulators and the public means security is a proactive approach to support resilience for organisations, and for society. This expectation has turned to regulation with the introduction of the Terrorism (Protection of Premises) Act 2025 (Martyn’s Law) – meaning that venues, sites and organisations need to take an organisational approach to compliance and counter-terrorism preparedness.
4. Business continuity depends on preparedness
An incident can shut down operations, disrupt supply chains, impact reputation, and lead to significant financial loss. Preparedness is the only sensible response to ensure resilience, stability, and confidence.
Security as a strategic business consideration
Organisations understand that protective security is part of strategic decision-making. Over the years they have been heavily engaged in progressing security capabilities in response to the evolving threat landscape. This mindset enhances:
- Operational resilience: Teams that know how to identify, prevent, and respond to threats reduce downtime and improve continuity.
- Reputational trust: Customers and partners choose organisations that demonstrate responsibility and preparedness.
- Employee confidence: Staff who are trained and empowered feel safer, perform better, and contribute to a positive workplace culture.
- Risk management and compliance: Leaders who invest early reduce the likelihood of costly failures and regulatory challenges later.
Investing in protective security enables organisations to operate safely, confidently, and without disruption.
This is what modern organisational leadership looks like, and why businesses are seeking professionalised training aligned to national standards and current best practice.
Raising capability with the Level 3 Award in Counter-Terrorism Protective Security and Preparedness
To meet this growing need, SFJ Awards, working with Counter Terrorism Policing, has created a qualification that provides a structured, comprehensive, and practical pathway for individuals responsible for keeping people and spaces safe.
This qualification was developed in partnership with and is the only qualification iofficially endorsed by Counter-Terrorism Policing and the National Counter Terrorism Security Office (NaCTSO). It is designed to raise standards, improve readiness, and help organisations protect what matters most.
The course develops essential capability in:
- Understanding the current threat context
- Understanding attack methods and the principles of protective security
- Identifying risks and strengthening protective measures
- Working with emergency services and partners
- Supporting organisational preparedness and incident planning through the creation of counter-terrorism preparedness plans
- Building a positive security culture that creates a proactive, security-conscious workforce.
Ready to strengthen your organisation’s security capability?
Training providers can now apply to deliver this qualification. SFJ Awards is here to support you in building a safer, more resilient future. Contact us and a member of the team will be in touch to get you started.
