FMJ Facilities Management magazine providing industry-specific intelligence to FM and property professionals
The Level 3 Ofqual-regulated qualification – called the ‘SFJ Level 3 Award in Counter Terrorism Protective Security and Preparedness’ – aims to strengthen the UK’s counter terrorism protective security and organisational preparedness.
It has been developed between the National Counter Terrorism Security Office (NACTSO) – a specialist unit within Counter Terrorism Policing with awarding body, SFJ Awards, which works predominantly with emergency services and justice sectors.
Those achieving the qualification, which was developed under the working title of ‘Competent Person in the Workplace’, will become recognised in Counter Terrorism Protective Security and Preparedness.
The qualification has been officially launched at the official UK Government global security event, Security and Policing, held at Farnborough International Exhibition and Conference Centre.
The development of the qualification has been funded by the Home Office to address recommendations made by the Manchester Arena Inquiry. It will provide organisations with the toolset to understand and mitigate their threat and risks from terrorism.
Deputy Assistant Commissioner Specialist Operations, Jon Savell, said: “Our main goal is to keep the public safe from the threat of terrorism, and this is now a tangible piece of training that staff in security, health and safety, and operational professions can obtain.
“Those taking the qualification will come away with practical tools to mitigate the risk of terrorism to their organisation or business – and by extension, the public. With the backdrop of increasing terror threats, this is absolutely essential to employer resilience. Keeping people safe from terrorism is everyone’s responsibility.”
David Higham, Managing Director from SFJ Awards added: “This is the only qualification endorsed by Counter Terrorism Policing, and enables learners and organisations to highlight the risks posed to them and their premises through terrorism.
“It has the added benefit of being regulated by Ofqual. Regulated qualifications bring with them the additional level of confidence that the course is high quality, will bring consistency to industry, and has real world application. It will enable workforces to be better prepared for dealing with terrorism issues, and enable them to set up counter terrorism preparedness plans.”
The qualification is now live, and courses are already underway. Employers can find out more information here.
FMJ and Watco Webinar: Meeting compliance in a new culture of accountability
From January 2026, the Building Safety Regulator (BSR) formally separated from the Health and Safety Executive (HSE). Created under the Building Safety Act 2022 in response to the Grenfell Tower tragedy, the BSR is designed to raise safety standards across the built environment and introduce a stronger culture of accountability, transparency, and proactive risk management.
This shift places facilities managers in a more strategic safety assurance role – far beyond routine maintenance.
FMJ and Watco are hosting a webinar on 22 April at 11:00am to explore what this new regulatory landscape means for FMs. To register for the webinar click here.
Can’t make it no problem…
Simply register above and after the webinar has been broadcast, we will send you a link to watch the recording.
