FOI release

Expert stakeholders for the SIA close protection qualification

Published 3 March 2022

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This publication is available at https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/expert-stakeholders-for-the-sia-close-protection-qualification/expert-stakeholders-for-the-sia-close-protection-qualification

1. Request

Please explain who the expert stakeholders are with reference to the new close protection qualification. What is their experience and their backgrounds with regards to close protection and security as a whole?

2. Response

I confirm that the SIA holds the information that you have requested.

2.1 Who they are

The expert stakeholders consist of a group of 14 individuals involved in close protection. We are not obliged, under section 40(2) of the Act, to provide information that is the personal information of another person if releasing it would contravene any of the data protection principles as set out at section 34 of the Data Protection Act 2018.

The first principle requires that the disclosure of the requested personal data must be lawful and fair. Under the Act the disclosure of personal data is considered to be lawful if:

  • there is a legitimate interest in the disclosure of that personal data
  • the disclosure of the personal data is necessary to meet that legitimate interest
  • the disclosure would not cause unwarranted harm to the data subject

Having considered the release of the names of the individuals forming the expert stakeholders, I am of the view that disclosing it would not serve any legitimate interest.

2.2 Their background and experience

The expert stakeholders jointly have a wealth of experience in close protection and security.

The experience and backgrounds of the expert stakeholders includes:

  • the military
  • the private security industry working in this country and abroad
  • policing including royal and diplomatic protection
  • special forces
  • working as a managing director of a professional association
  • working as a training provider
  • working as a police trainer
  • an expert witness in respect of the use of force and physical intervention

[Reference: FOI 0323]

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