IPSA and NTIPDU form alliance to provide certification and assurance for specialist security courses

IPSA has worked closely with the security dog industry on the creation of British Standards

The International Professional Security Association (IPSA) and the National Training Inspectorate for Professional Dog Users (NTIPDU) have formed an alliance to provide Quality Assurance and certification for selected specialist courses designed by the NTIPDU.

NTIPDU, which has been supporting the security dog industry since 2002, has discovered a reluctance from existing awarding bodies to accredit and certify courses which involve assessing the security dog with its handler.

Many roles involving the use of a trained security dog are substantially reliant on the performance of the dog and the understanding of the dog's reactions to and by the handler, as opposed to purely the knowledge of the handler, so it is important that the assessment of training reflects this.

IPSA has worked closely with the security dog industry on the creation of British Standards and is delighted to be able to support the NTIPDU. The IPSA Chief Executive, Justin Bentley, stated: "We are keen to promote professionalism across the whole of the security industry, including providing assistance to specialist groups who wish to demonstrate a quality approach to training in their sector."

Sandra Timmis, Director of NTIPDU, said: "We already know that the training we provide is of the highest standard. This agreement will reassure our members and clients that an independent body is validating our work."