Licensing of Security Consultants

ASIS Ireland - Citywest Hotel Friday May 25th 11.00 > 13.00hrs

Licensing of security consultants is due to commence Q1 2019. Over the past 9 months the chairman has been in touch with the PSA regarding the licensing of security consultants and in particular what format licensing will follow. It is envisaged that the licensing of consultants will follow the same requirements as with all other sectors currently licensed. Given the scope of the consultants work, 'a one shoe fits all' will not suffice and or work. We have seen other sectors of the industry been decimated because of over regulation and or from the burden placed on companies/individuals to attain licensing, in particular the financial implications of meeting licensing requirements in their current form. Should licensing follow suit with other sectors such as manned guarding then will there be a value add in been licensed or will licensing of the consultant favour the few and everyone else retires early? Yes Consultancy is specialised and commands a good knowledge base of one's chosen field/s of expertise. There is a case for licensing, however the consultancy sector needs to be to the forefront in determining the licensing regime and the standards that should apply. Consultants need to develop the standard thats applicable and not something that is plagiarised or ill thought out and put in place just for the sake of licensing.

We can expect no grandfather acceptance (free license) for those of us who have been in the industry longer than we may care to remember.

Given that ASIS Ireland represents approx. 35+ consultants ( over 1/3 third of the current membership make up) it is vital that we engage with the PSA. The chairman has highlighted ASIS Ireland with the CEO of the PSA and requested that it wishes to be represented in future discussions concerning the licensing of consultants. Following initial discussions the PSA is now forming a working party group to discuss and mandate for consultancy licensing and standards. In recent correspondence from the PSA to the chairman, he was invited to be part of the working party group (representing ASIS Ireland). It is not known who or what other parties will form the working group, we have to hope that it will be likeminded organisations and individuals who will be representative of the collective. It is expected that the first meeting of the working group will take place late may, we await clarification on this.

In the interim, a sub committee has been formed to represent ASIS Ireland and security consultants. The Committee consists of: Chairman - John Bailey. Secretary -Pat Nolan. Treasurer - Joe Cully & Military Liaison Michael Murphy.

In order to be prepared for the working party discussions, ASIS Ireland needs to enter these discussions with a mandate and a program for achieving the best outcome for our members and consultants in general.

Getting started -

The representative committee will hold a meeting on Friday May 25th at the Citywest Hotel. Nass Road from 11.00 > 13.00. the purpose of this meeting will be to solely brain storm and form the basis of a mandate from the members for us to take to the working party and the PSA. Everyone with an interest or stake in security consultancy licensing is welcome to attend and help us with the mandate.

We would be grateful if you could let us know if you can attend this briefing in the event we may need to book a private room to accommodate numbers etc. Please email the chairman - john.jbailey@outlook.com

We have a voice - lets voice it so others will hear it - listen and take note!