Counter Terrorism Policing has announced two new national initiatives aimed at strengthening how organisations across the UK prepare for and mitigate the threat of terrorism.
The measures include the creation of a national register of verified counter terrorism security specialists and the introduction of a new Ofqual regulated qualification focused on protective security and preparedness in the workplace. Both initiatives respond directly to recommendations made by the Manchester Arena Inquiry.
From spring 2026, businesses and organisations will be able to access a new Counter Terrorism Security Specialists Register, endorsed by Counter Terrorism Policing. The register is intended to provide a trusted route to qualified professionals who can offer advice on protective security, organisational preparedness and technical implementation.
The register will be delivered through a partnership between the National Counter Terrorism Security Office, a specialist unit within Counter Terrorism Policing, and the Register of Security Engineers and Specialists, which is sponsored by the National Protective Security Authority. It will be administered by the Institution of Civil Engineers, with registered members bound by a professional code of conduct.
According to Counter Terrorism Policing, the register is designed to give organisations confidence that advisers meet recognised standards and provide a straightforward way to identify credible counter terrorism security expertise across multiple disciplines.
Alongside the register, a new Level 3 qualification titled Competent Person in the Workplace is being developed. The Ofqual regulated qualification is aimed at security, health and safety and operational professionals who are responsible for managing protective security measures within their organisations.
Jon Savell, Deputy Assistant Commissioner for Specialist Operations, said the initiatives were shaped by extensive engagement with industry. “Our aim is to empower organisations to make informed decisions about protective security and preparedness,” he said. “We have listened carefully to industry feedback, which has been very clear: organisations want to be able to access professional and credible advice.”
He added that the new measures would offer practical tools to help organisations strengthen protective security and protect the public. “Providing businesses and organisations with easy access to get the best advice will go a long way to achieving that goal,” Savell said.
The qualification is being developed in collaboration with awarding body SFJ Awards and is expected to formally launch in March 2026 at the Security and Policing event. It is funded by the Home Office and is intended to help organisations better understand and mitigate the risks posed by terrorism.
David Higham, Managing Director of SFJ Awards, said the qualification would address a growing operational need. “The Competent Person in the Workplace qualification will provide a structured, Ofqual regulated pathway to building capabilities in this area,” he said, adding that it would be the only CTP and NaCTSO endorsed Ofqual qualification focused specifically on protecting premises from terrorism.
Another useless milk bottle top qualification.
Which all used to be handled by police engagement.
Now we have more police than army….all they do is hide in their police stations as far away from public contact as possible.
Lost me at “Health and Safety.” You know it’s going to be a load of old bollocks if it comes down to Health and Safety. If someone is trying to kill you there is only one health and safety you are worrying about and it’s not the correct way how to wear a hard hat or something equally asinine!