our purpose

Security is a foundation of a happy society.

Everyone wants to feel secure in their lives, whether at work or at play. Yet so often, the people who keep us safe go unrecognised and unsupported in their careers.

The purpose of the Security Skills Board is simple, but profound. We’ll spearhead change in the private security industry – raising standards and making the sector a positive choice for talented people, with clear career pathways, greater opportunities and broader horizons.

We can make a difference.

To transform the industry,
we are focusing on four core goals.
We will:

Tackle the skills gap

Engage with people entering the security profession

Ensure that the industry is delivering on public safety

Pursue a culture of inclusivity and equality

Extraordinary is For Everyone

The security sector is made up of individuals, each with their own skills, ambitions and challenges to overcome. We can only elevate the industry by offering each and every professional the opportunity to be their best.

Enhancing Capability

Learning and Development (L&D) are the bedrock of our mission. By introducing an accredited framework of L&D we will shape an industry-wide culture, focused on fulfilling potential.

Career Development

We’ll launch a National Academy for Private Security by 2025. This will establish a structure of excellence designed to attract, develop and retain a highly-skilled workforce. We’ll champion the employee experience and make security a truly aspirational career choice.

Leading Transformational Change

Professionalising security will elevate the already high standards. We’ll create resources, structures and systems that embed excellence at the heart of the industry.

The International Foundation for Protection Officers (IFPO) has, for over thirty years, been building career pathways for frontline security professionals globally, through our educational offerings and certifications (CPO, CSSM, CPOI). This mission fits well with that of the Security Skills Council and the National Skills Academy, in addressing the need for higher standards of professionalism in the private security industry. We look forward to working with the Council and the Academy.

Mike Hurst

Director, The International Foundation for Protection Officers