Have your say on Security and Protective Services National Occupational Standards

Statements of competence

NOS describe the skills, knowledge and understanding needed to undertake a particular task or job to a nationally recognised level of competence. They focus on what the person needs to be able to do, as well as what they must know and understand to work effectively. They cover the key activities undertaken within the occupation in question under all the circumstances the job holder is likely to encounter.

Each NOS contains an agreed set of knowledge and understanding and performance criteria that must be met before someone can be deemed competent. They describe the minimum standard to which an individual is expected to work in a given occupation.

NOS in development

Skills for Justice is currently undertaking a review of three suites of NOS from Security and Protective Services.
This review includes the following suites:

• Addressing and Responding to Honour Based Violence
• Addressing Stalking
• Addressing Modern Slavery

This project is governed by a UK-wide Steering Group which provides sector specific advice and guidance on the content of the NOS.

Background

These three NOS suites were developed between 2015 and 2020 in response to legislation. The Domestic Abuse and Sexual Violence NOS were reviewed in 2022–23.

Given the strong focus on domestic abuse in England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, and the shift toward trauma-informed practice, these three related NOS suites require review to eliminate duplication and ensure they remain fit for purpose.

“Modern slavery and human trafficking, stalking and honour-based violence are insidious, growing and misunderstood crimes in our society. The need for professionals across all sectors to be competent in identification, survivor support and prevention is critical.

“The reviewed National Occupational Standards (NOS) will provide much needed guidance for employers, training providers and awarding bodies to benchmark content of education and training, supporting the development of competence in the workplace.

“I encourage everyone with expertise in these areas to participate in this consultation, which will influence the final content and assist us in the important work of standard setting.”

Joy M Gillespie
Chief Executive Officer, Survivors of Human Trafficking in Scotland (SOHTIS)
Chair of Security and Protective Services NOS Steering Group