Our Accredited Healthcare Security Management Specialist (AHSMS) – Level 5 course has been designed by industry Subject Matter Experts to equip participants in the role of healthcare security specialist with the knowledge and skills to protect patients, staff, visitors, assets, and information.
The course gives you the specific industry tools, up-to-date knowledge, and confidence in your skills to do the best professional job you can. It focuses on preventing, deterring, detecting, and responding to security risks across NHS Trusts and Integrated Care Systems.
Participants will explore the NHS legal and policy framework, protective security strategies, violence prevention and reduction, incident management, investigations, and interviewing techniques.
This course adopts a blended learning approach, combining pre-read materials, handouts, group activities, scenario-based learning, five days of in-person instruction, and practical activities. The programme is designed using proven learning principles and methodologies, including active learning, case studies, presentations, self-study, research, and practical activity. Knowledge checks and multiple-choice question (MCQ) assessments run throughout the course to measure progress and support continuous development.
This Level 5 course is the only one that covers all of this subject matter content and gives you accreditation at the end. Our course is accredited by SFJ Awards, and The CPD Standards Office, gaining you 134 CPD points, and is officially endorsed by the International Association for Healthcare Security and Safety (IAHSS) UK Chapter.
CPD (Continuing Professional Development) points are evidence that you have learnt and maintained up-to-date skills, knowledge, and competence, upholding industry benchmarks. These standards validate structured learning, improve performance, ensure compliance with professional bodies, and facilitate career advancement through recorded, measurable, and diverse learning activities.
The programme is split into four units:
Unit 1 comprises:
1.1: Role of the LSMS, Role of Police, Role of CPS, Role of CQC/Healthcare Inspectorate Wales (HIW).
1.2: Data Protection Act 1998. GDPR Criminal Procedure and Investigations Act 1996.
1.3: Security Industry Authority (SIA).
1.4: Misuse of Drugs Act 1971.
1.5: Security of Medicines – Legislation and Guidance.
1.6: Criminal Justice and Immigration Act 2008.
1.7: Assaults and Unlawful Imprisonment.
1.8: Theft Act 1968.
1.9: Searching: Professional Lawful and Safe Practice.
1.10: Criminal Damage.
1.11: The CONTEST/ PREVENT Strategy.
1.12: Martyn’s Law – The Terrorism (Protection of Premises) Act 2025.
1.13: Protection against Harassment Act 1997.
Unit 2 comprises:
2.1: Security Risk Management.
2.2: Crime Reduction and SARA.
2.3: Threat and Insider Threats.
2.4: Protective Security.
2.4a: Physical Security.
2.4b: Personnel and People Security.
2.4c: Personal Security.
2.4d: Information Security.
2.4e: Cyber Security.
2.5: Operational Requirements and Risk Assessments.
2.6: Designing Security that Works for Services.
Unit 3 comprises:
3.1: Safeguarding
3.2: Information Security.
3.3: Lone Working.
3.4: CCTV and Surveillance Cameras.
3.5: Regulation of Investigatory Powers Act (RIPA) 2000 – NHS Awareness.
3.6: Violence Prevention and Reduction Standard.
3.7: Therapeutic Security in Hospitals.
3.8: Behaviour that Communicates Stress.
3.9: Operational Planning and Briefing.
3.10: Lockdown & Emergency Preparedness.
Unit 4 comprises:
4.1: Investigation Cycle Criminal Liability Legislation and Case Law.
4.2: Evidence and Crime Scene Preservation.
4.3: Security Incident Reporting.
4.4: Communication and Negotiation Skills.
4.5: Report Writing.
4.6: Prosecution Files (NHS investigations).
4.7: Workplace Investigations – Advisory Conciliation and Arbitration Service (ACAS).
4.8: Police and Criminal Evidence Act 1984.
4.9: PEACE Interview Model.
4.10: MG 11 Witness statements.
4.11: Note Taking, Pocket Notebooks & Contemporaneous Notes.
4.12: Care of Victims and Witnesses – Victim Rights.
4.13: Courts and the UK Legal System.
Flexible Learning Options for the AHSMS Course:
This course is designed to fit around the diverse needs of today’s security and healthcare professionals. Learners can choose the format that best suits their schedule, learning style, and operational commitments, without compromising on quality or assessment standards.
Blended Learning (as shown on this page):
Learners who prefer a classroom environment can attend scheduled in‑person sessions over 5 full days delivered by experienced trainers in addition to distance learning. This format blends face‑to‑face teaching, practical discussion, and guided activities with access to digital learning materials. It’s ideal for those who value direct interaction, structured learning days, and the opportunity to engage with peers.
Learners complete structured online modules alongside five full days of classroom-based training. The overall commitment averages 102 hours, giving participants the time and space to absorb the material, complete assessments, and apply learning to their operational context.
Stage 1 kick-starts learning with access to reading materials and preparatory activities to establish a baseline understanding.
Stage 2 involves a one-day trainer-led remote learning day, delivered live online. The session is a structured, formal teaching event rather than a passive webinar, and is led by an experienced subject-matter specialist.
Stage 3 involves participants completing a series of distance-learning sessions. Each session focuses on a specific subject area and is designed to prepare learners for in-person classroom activity.
Stage 4 includes a further one-day trainer-led remote learning day, which aims to consolidate the remote element and evaluate that part of the course.
Stage 5 is a five-day in-person event, delivered in a classroom setting. These days focus on application, discussion and professional practice, concluding with a summative assessment.
Stage 6 is the final aspect in which participants are required to undertake a Post‑Course Security Assessment Activity. This activity and assessment are designed to confirm understanding of the key concepts covered and to evaluate the learner’s ability to apply security principles in realistic scenarios.
Fully Online E‑Learning:
For those who need maximum flexibility, the full e‑learning version of the course allows participants to complete all modules online at their own pace. The digital platform includes interactive content, knowledge checks, and downloadable resources, ensuring a comprehensive learning experience that can be accessed anytime, anywhere. Access that option here: AHSMS E-Learning Course
This Accredited Healthcare Security Management Specialist (AHSMS) – Level 5 course includes:
Course enrolment fee: £1,850 + VAT, covering all materials and certification.
We offer a wide range of safety and security related training courses in person and online via E-Learning
