The Benefits of CSAS Training for Community & Corporate Safety
The UK’s Community Safety Accreditation Scheme (CSAS) is a framework where public and private organisations work in partnership with the police to help reduce criminality and anti-social behaviour.
The CSAS certification is frequently used as a standard for improving safety for local government teams operating community schemes and for security providers alongside the Police as well as increasingly for private companies with a public-facing role such as high street shops and supermarkets.
What is CSAS?
The CSAS programme was developed to empower selected security staff, and employees with the knowledge, skills, and authority to address safety and security issues within their area.
Directed by the Police Reform Act 2002, the certification trains employees to manage incidents and uphold safety and security standards in their community or public-facing environment such as a retail store. The goal is to help ensure a safe and secure environment for the public and public-facing staff.
The Chief Constable of the local Police Force will agree the range of powers withe CSAS accredited company. These powers will go a long way towards improving the safety and security of staff, however the Chief Constable does not give powers of arrest. All CSAS trained staff will understand the law surrounding making a citizen's arrest when necessary. The knowledge and understanding that CSAS gives them, allows them to work safely and effectively in co-operation with local police to help combat crime, disorder, public nuisance and other forms of anti-social behaviour.
How CSAS Benefits Staff and Public & Private Organisations
1. Staff Are Empowered to Manage Conflict Effectively
Through approved training, CSAS teams are empowered by learning the necessary skills, legal powers (and limitations), as well as the knowledge and understanding needed to manage conflict and criminality on the ground. This includes how to respond to incidents, manage crowds, and to communicate effectively with the public in conflict or emergency situations. CSAS training also equips staff with the tools to handle potentially dangerous situations, which is essential for the safety of all involved.
This thorough knowledge of how to manage problem situations from theft to anti-social behaviour, helps not only keep the employee safe but also reduce stress.
2. Public & Staff Safety is Improved
The primary goal of CSAS is to ensure the safety of the public and staff. By training employees to respond effectively to aggressive situations, criminality, emergencies , security and safety concerns, CSAS significantly reduces the risks associated with increased criminality, aggression and anti-social behaviour in local communities and helps reduce the impact of theft and aggression towards staff in public-facing roles.
3. Fast & Effective Incident Management
CSAS accreditation enables your team to efficiently manage incidents, protecting your employees and the public. This includes everything from accidents and medical emergencies to terrorist incidents. Properly trained staff are then able to respond promptly in association with Police personnel, making all the difference in critical situations.
How to Obtain CSAS Accreditation
Here are the key steps to obtaining CSAS accreditation:
1 - Eligibility Assessment: the organisation must first be assessed as :
- Fit and proper to supervise the activities required by accredited teams under the Police Reform Act 2002.
- Have a complaints procedure,
- Have a recruitment policy,
- Have a code of conduct,
- Have sufficient insurance,
The company must determine the eligibility of their staff, this includes having a clear criminal record and the ability to pass a background check. Vetting is normally carried out by the Police and this can take time.
2 - Nominate Staff
After confirming eligibility, your organisation then nominates staff members for training.
3 - CSAS Training
Training programmes are tailored to your organisation’s needs, values, objectives while equipping staff with the knowledge and skills necessary to handle various safety and security scenarios in public areas. Training covers areas like incident management, communication, security awareness, behavioural psychology and customer service.
4 - Assessment & Evaluation
After completing the CSAS training, staff members are assessed to ensure they have acquired the necessary competencies. The assessment may include written tests, practical exercises, and evaluations by instructors. The exam is pass or fail but with Top 2 Percent, the participants are fully prepared for this , with one-to-one, regular knowledge checks, revision time and our ability to cater for any learning challenges individuals may have.
5 - Accreditation
Upon successful completion of both the training and assessments, staff members are awarded CSAS accreditation. This accreditation authorises them to perform specific safety and security functions with your organisation and/or community.
How Long Does CSAS Accreditation Last?
CSAS accreditation is not a lifelong certification and the Police Service has the right to withdraw accreditation at any time; it comes with an expiry date to ensure that staff members remain up-to-date with the latest safety and security standards. The typical duration of CSAS accreditation is three years; so regular refresher training is required. After this period, accredited staff members must undergo refresher training and assessments to renew their accreditation.
Further information:
Top 2% is a leading provider of RSAS and CSAS training and certification in the UK providing both the standard training plus an enhanced training module covering behavioural psychology in conflict situations, county lines inputs, JESIP and Protect UK. We also offer Emergency First Aid at work or Personal Protection training as additional modules. To find out more about CSAS training or refresher courses contact us here.