As many of you know I am passionate about driving standards and skills in our sector, both here in the UK and internationally. I have the privilege of travelling around the country and globe as part of my role and I consistently see the need for the standards and skills that we deliver as an Institute.
It is particularly pleasing to see our training partnership with the National Security Institute (NSI) in the UAE delivering its first cohorts of learners at the end of 2025 and the first few weeks of this year. This is a further step in our initiative in the region, building on the relationships we have developed over several years. The next stages will be to establish an office and branch this year, to support membership growth in the region. These developments are a clear indication that our core purpose and support provision are relevant to the industry wherever it is operating.
This was reinforced with my recent regular call with my fellow IQ Presidents from our sister Institutes. Much of our conversations focussed on the need for standards and delivering support for individuals to develop their competence and continuing professional development. No matter where we are located, each IQ faces similar challenges and being able to support each other with resources and materials is a critical part of our global community.
Here in the UK, 2026 is a milestone year in some of those core competencies that we rely on as a sector and as membership organisation. With the changes to the NOS and the subsequent review and consultation of the level 4 and 6 SHE qualifications led by MPQC; this year will see the roll out of new qualifications.
IQ members have played a role in contributing to those consultations and helping to shape the new qualifications based on their experience and knowledge, along with other stakeholders from the MPA and BAA amongst others.
The changes in the qualifications reflect the changing world we operate in and the growing demands on a range of issues that our members face, especially the complexities of managing sites. As the finalised versions of the qualifications roll out, it is critical that as professionals we engage and understand the changes that have been made, and the IQ will be providing support and information to help as we all move through the transition to the new qualifications.
In all these actions, the overriding theme alongside standards and skills is collaboration, working in partnership to support making our industry safer and more efficient. The article in this month’s QMJ magazine highlighting the partnership we have developed over the last few years with the HCTa and their work on developing their skills pathways with others is a clear case study of the value we can all provide in working collaboratively.
The Institute has a proud and strong history and to build on this legacy I believe we need to continue to create further opportunities to collaborate with our partners to continue delivering value to our members and the industry.
