Ofqual Bans Awarding Body from Enrolling New Learners Due to Security Qualification Failures

The Office of Qualifications and Examinations Regulation (Ofqual) has taken decisive action by prohibiting an awarding organisation from enrolling new learners in a range of security qualifications. This intervention follows significant concerns regarding the delivery of door supervisor and security qualifications by the British Institute of Innkeeping Awarding Body (BIIAB).

As part of this regulatory measure, Ofqual has instructed BIIAB to cease accepting new learners for the affected qualifications while allowing those already enrolled to complete their courses under stringent controls. In collaboration with the Security Industry Authority, Ofqual has also removed BIIAB from its course finder tool specifically for these qualifications.

Commitment to Public Safety

Amanda Swann, Ofqual’s Executive Director for Delivery, emphasised the importance of ensuring that individuals holding these qualifications have undergone appropriate training. She stated, “It is vital for public safety that individuals working in the security sector are thoroughly qualified. The public must have confidence that those in these roles are adequately trained.”

Swann further highlighted Ofqual’s readiness to take necessary measures when regulatory conditions are not met and the integrity of qualifications is compromised. This latest action builds upon earlier regulatory controls imposed on BIIAB in September 2025, which required the organisation to conduct additional checks prior to issuing results for the relevant qualifications.

Ongoing Regulatory Oversight

Ofqual’s recent actions reflect the seriousness of its concerns regarding the qualifications and underscore its commitment to maintaining the integrity of security training. All restrictions placed on BIIAB will remain until the organisation can demonstrate compliance with Ofqual’s regulatory obligations to their satisfaction.

In addition to this announcement, Ofqual has published a summary of the interim regulatory actions taken concerning BIIAB. The guidance on supporting compliance and taking regulatory action outlines how Ofqual utilises its powers, with previous cases available for review in the Regulatory actions and interventions by Ofqual section on GOV.UK.

Details of Affected Courses

Due to the current restrictions, the specific courses impacted include:

• BIIAB Level 2 Award for Door Supervisors in the Private Security Industry
• BIIAB Level 2 Award for Door Supervisors in the Private Security Industry (Refresher)
• BIIAB Level 2 Award for Security Officers in the Private Security Industry

For more information on Ofqual, please visit their official website.