Page 58 - SyI Quarterly - Q3 and Q4 Edition 2023

Education and Learning

Do we need a structured Career Development

Pathway for Trainers in our sector?

David Brook MSyI

In conducting this review, I approached my research from the viewpoint of someone who works as
an educator within the sector, and by using colleagues and industry leaders as critical partners I
hoped to demonstrate the validity of my research and provide the sector with meaningful
evidence-based data to support knowledge-based conclusions.

My research exposed the risk and vulnerabilities of the threat of terrorism across Publicly Accessible
Locations (PALs) relating this to the tragic consequences of the 2017 Manchester Arena atrocity. I
also identified failings in policy and flawed training practices which led to recommendations that I
hope will contribute to the overall field of knowledge within the sector.

Taking a closer look two overlapping key themes emerged which were, professionalism within the
PSI, and the level of education and training within the sector including gaps in trainer knowledge and
poor training culture.

The first theme emerging from my investigation highlighted a distinction between professional
standards and ethical approaches to security. However, there appeared a correlation between this
and the levels of education and training within the PSI including gaps in trainer knowledge and poor
training culture.

My data findings also suggested that professionalism is demonstrated by a commitment and
adherence to ethical practices with a focus on the currency of knowledge and career development
pathways. This element was particularly relevant where gaps in trainer knowledge were identified.

There also appeared a distinction between levels of knowledge acquired by those who have followed
academic pathways combined with operational experience and or alignment to membership of
professional bodies.

Addressing the quality and delivery of training appears fundamental to the long-term ability to
professionalise the PSI and equip operatives with the knowledge, skills, attitudes, and behaviours
however it appeared from a ground-up perspective that operatives were being failed.

Why?

My respondents suggested an overarching belief that the current level of education and training
available was not fit for purpose. This was hindered by poor teaching practices which in my view
presents an argument for a radical overhaul of teaching standards with alignment to the twenty
professional standards for further education (for further information on these standards please visit
the Society for Education and Training).

When you consider the importance of training culture to organisational success then look no further
than Schein (2016) who suggests that organisational survival is reliant on the ability to learn. In my
view trainers should be subjected to mandatory career development pathways to enhance their
knowledge and align to the same standards expected across other sectors.

58