ISO 18788:2015 (SOMS) Lead Implementer

1. ISO 18788 Principles and SOMS Requirements :

Introduces the purpose, scope, terminology and management-system principles of ISO 18788:2015. Covers the structure of a Security Operations Management System, its implementation requirements, management-system processes, organisational responsibilities and the role of a Lead Implementer in coordinating an effective implementation programme.

2. Organisational Context, Leadership and Governance :

Develops the ability to analyse organisational context, identify interested parties, determine SOMS scope, establish leadership responsibilities and develop security management policies. Covers management commitment, organisational accountability, security objectives, resource allocation and integration of the SOMS into organisational governance.

3. Security Risk Assessment and Human Rights Compliance :

Covers the identification, analysis, evaluation and treatment of security risks associated with private security operations. Develops understanding of threats, vulnerabilities, operational consequences, legal obligations, human-rights responsibilities, ethical conduct, use-of-force governance and responsible security service delivery.

4. Security Operations Planning and Operational Control :

Develops knowledge of operational planning, security procedures, service delivery requirements, deployment controls, operational supervision, equipment management, emergency arrangements and monitoring of security activities. Focuses on translating security policies and risk assessments into controlled operational processes.

5. Personnel, Competence and Subcontractor Management :

Examines recruitment, personnel screening, vetting, training, competence assessment, performance monitoring, professional conduct and personnel responsibilities. Covers contractor selection, subcontractor oversight, supplier controls and arrangements for ensuring that external security providers operate in accordance with organisational requirements.

6. SOMS Documentation, Communication and Incident Management :

Develops skills in preparing, controlling and maintaining management-system documentation and operational records. Covers internal and external communication, incident reporting, investigation, complaints, nonconformities, corrective action, information management and the maintenance of reliable implementation evidence.

7. Performance Evaluation, Internal Audit and Management Review :

Develops the ability to establish performance indicators, monitor operational effectiveness, evaluate compliance, plan internal audits, assess audit evidence and prepare management reviews. Covers corrective action, audit findings, implementation monitoring and continual improvement of the SOMS.

8. SOMS Lead Implementation and Integrated Project :

Integrates the qualification's learning through an organisational implementation project. Learners conduct a gap analysis, define implementation priorities, prepare a risk-based action plan, develop management-system documentation, allocate responsibilities, establish monitoring arrangements and present a structured implementation and improvement roadmap.

• Develops advanced understanding of ISO 18788:2015 and SOMS requirements.

• Builds the ability to coordinate and lead management-system implementation activities.

• Strengthens organisational context, leadership and governance knowledge.

• Develops security risk assessment and risk-treatment capabilities.

• Improves understanding of human rights and responsible security operations.

• Builds knowledge of legal compliance and organisational accountability.

• Strengthens operational planning and security control arrangements.

• Develops personnel competence and subcontractor management knowledge.

• Improves documentation, incident reporting and corrective-action capabilities.

• Builds understanding of internal audits and management reviews.

• Develops the ability to evaluate SOMS effectiveness and recommend improvements.

• Supports professional development in security management, governance, compliance and implementation consultancy.

This qualification is suitable for:

• Security Operations Managers.

• Private Security Company Directors and Managers.

• Security Management Consultants.

• SOMS Implementation Coordinators.

• Security Compliance Managers.

• Corporate Security Managers.

• Security Risk Management Professionals.

• Security Contract and Operations Managers.

• Security Quality Assurance Professionals.

• Management-system Coordinators.

• Professionals responsible for security governance and operational oversight.

• Personnel working for organisations that procure or manage private security services.

It is particularly appropriate for experienced professionals seeking to develop advanced knowledge of management-system implementation and responsible private security operations.

Assessment Format: Written knowledge assessment, welding inspection theory questions, welding procedure and drawing interpretation, weld defect identification, inspection documentation, practical inspection exercises and an integrated welding-inspection project.

Total Questions: 80 written questions across the knowledge assessment components, supported by practical weld inspection tasks, technical interpretation exercises and project-based assessment.

Passing Score: 50% in the written assessment, with satisfactory completion of all mandatory practical inspection and project requirements.

Duration: 120 minutes for the written examination, with separately scheduled time for practical inspection exercises, technical assignments and project assessment.

Certification: Successful learners may be awarded the HiQual UK Certified Welding Inspection Professional (CWIP) Qualification, subject to the qualification’s formal approval and assessment requirements.

To deliver this Qualification, HiQual UK Approved ATPs must demonstrate the capability to deliver, assess, and internally quality assure qualifications in line with recognised regulatory principles and the expectations of the Regulated Qualifications Framework (RQF).

Approved centres must operate effective systems to ensure the validity, reliability, fairness, consistency, and security of assessment.

1. Centre Recognition and Legal Compliance

Centres must be formally recognised by HiQual UK prior to the delivery or assessment of any qualification. To maintain recognition, centres must: Be a legally constituted organisation operating in compliance with applicable legislation and regulatory requirements. Demonstrate effective governance, management oversight, and clear lines of accountability. Comply with all HiQual UK policies, procedures, and conditions of centre recognition. Notify HiQual UK promptly of any material changes that may affect delivery, assessment, or internal quality assurance arrangements.

2. Resources, Facilities, and Learning Environment

Centres must ensure that sufficient and appropriate resources are in place to support learning and assessment. This includes: Learning environments appropriate to the mode of delivery, including classrooms and, where applicable, specialist or practical facilities. Access to learning and assessment resources that enable learners to meet qualification outcomes. Secure systems for managing learner data, assessment records, and certification claims. Arrangements that support equality of access and reasonable adjustments for learners where required.

3. Staff Competence and Occupational Expertise

Centres must ensure that all staff involved in delivery, assessment, and internal quality assurance are competent and suitably qualified. Centres must: Appoint tutors with appropriate subject knowledge, teaching competence, and relevant occupational or professional experience. Ensure assessors are trained and competent in applying HiQual UK assessment requirements and standards. Appoint a qualified Internal Quality Assurer (IQA) responsible for monitoring assessment practice and decisions. Maintain records of staff qualifications, experience, training, and continuing professional development (CPD).

4. Assessment Practice and Internal Quality Assurance (IQA)

Centres must operate robust internal quality assurance systems to ensure assessment integrity. Centres must: Ensure assessment is valid, fit for purpose, and conducted in line with HiQual UK requirements. Implement effective IQA procedures to monitor assessor performance and confirm the consistency of assessment decisions. Maintain accurate, complete, and auditable records of learner registration, assessment evidence, and outcomes. Carry out regular internal reviews and standardisation activities to support continuous improvement.

5. Integrity, Risk Management, and Malpractice

Centres must take appropriate measures to protect the integrity of assessment. Centres must: Maintain policies and procedures for the prevention, identification, and management of malpractice and maladministration. Ensure secure handling, storage, and retention of assessment materials and learner evidence. Report any suspected or confirmed malpractice to HiQual UK in accordance with published procedures.

6. Health, Safety, Safeguarding, and Learner Protection

Centres must provide a safe, inclusive, and supportive learning environment. Centres must: Comply with applicable health and safety and safeguarding legislation. Conduct risk assessments for learning activities, particularly where practical or technical work is involved. Maintain procedures to safeguard learner welfare and wellbeing.

7. Learner Information, Support, and Fair Treatment

Centres must ensure learners are informed, supported, and treated fairly. Centres must: Provide clear and accurate information on programme requirements, assessment methods, and certification. Ensure learners receive timely and constructive feedback on assessment outcomes. Operate transparent complaints and appeals procedures aligned with HiQual UK requirements. Manage learner information securely in compliance with data protection legislation.

Successful learners who achieve the qualification may progress to:

• HiQual UK Level 7 qualifications in Security Management, Strategic Risk Management, Organisational Governance or related disciplines.

• Advanced professional study in private security operations management.

• Specialist training in security risk assessment and security governance.

• Management-system auditing and implementation development.

• Business continuity, crisis management and organisational resilience qualifications.

• Advanced study in human-rights due diligence and responsible security operations.

• Further professional development in corporate security leadership and compliance management.

Possible occupational progression includes:

• SOMS Implementation Manager.

• Security Management Consultant.

• Security Compliance Manager.

• Corporate Security Manager.

• Security Governance Adviser.

• Security Operations Director.

• Security Management Systems Coordinator.

• Security Risk and Assurance Manager.

Progression to these positions will depend on professional experience, employer requirements and any relevant licensing or regulatory conditions.