Ubique Risk Management has launched the Accredited Healthcare Security Management Specialist (AHSMS) – Level 5, the first and only course in the UK to cover the complete breadth of specialist healthcare security management content and deliver a nationally recognised accreditation upon completion.
The course is designed for NHS Security Management Specialists, healthcare security leads, Integrated Care Board (ICB) Security Managers, and experienced security professionals looking to formalise and advance their expertise in a demanding operational environment.
Healthcare security is one of the most complex and high-stakes disciplines within the UK security sector. NHS Trusts and Integrated Care Systems face a unique convergence of legislative obligations, clinical sensitivities, violence prevention responsibilities, and protective security demands yet until now, no single accredited Level 5 qualification has addressed the full scope of that role.
The AHSMS fills that gap directly.
Developed by industry Subject Matter Experts with extensive NHS and healthcare security backgrounds, the programme equips participants with the legal knowledge, risk management frameworks, investigative skills, and operational confidence to perform at the highest professional level
The AHSMS – Level 5 carries dual accreditation and dual endorsement from the sector’s most respected bodies:
This combination of accreditation and endorsement positions the AHSMS as the definitive professional qualification for healthcare security management in the UK.
The programme is structured across four units, providing comprehensive coverage of the skills and knowledge required at management specialist level:
Unit 1 — Legislation, Security and Related Crimes Covers the NHS legal and policy framework in full, including the Data Protection Act, GDPR, the Misuse of Drugs Act, the Theft Act, searching powers, criminal damage, the CONTEST/PREVENT strategy, and Martyn’s Law (The Terrorism (Protection of Premises) Act 2025).
Unit 2 — Security Risk Management and Protective Measures Addresses security risk management methodology, SARA crime reduction, threat assessment (including insider threats), and the five pillars of protective security: physical, personnel, personal, information, and cyber security.
Unit 3 — Operational Security in Healthcare Settings Covers safeguarding, lone working, CCTV and surveillance, RIPA 2000 awareness, the Violence Prevention and Reduction Standard, therapeutic security, emergency preparedness, and lockdown procedures.
Unit 4 — Investigation, Evidence and Criminal Justice Processes Develops practical capability in investigation cycles, evidence and crime scene preservation, the PEACE interview model, ACAS workplace investigations, report writing, prosecution files, and victim and witness care.
The AHSMS is available via two pathways to accommodate the varied demands on healthcare security professionals:
Blended Learning combines five full days of in-person, classroom-based instruction with structured distance learning, trainer-led remote sessions, and a Post-Course Security Assessment Activity. The full programme averages 134 learning hours. This pathway is ideal for professionals who benefit from direct trainer interaction, peer discussion, and structured learning days.
Fully Online E-Learning delivers the complete curriculum through an interactive digital platform, allowing participants to study at their own pace, from any location, without compromising on assessment rigour.
Both pathways include SFJ Awards certification and CPD Standards Office certification (134 CPD points).
Course fee: £1,850 + VAT, inclusive of all training materials and certification.
The AHSMS is designed for professionals operating at, or progressing toward, specialist and management level in healthcare security. It is particularly suited to:
Registration is now open for the first AHSMS cohort. Places are limited – early registration is recommended for those looking to complete the qualification in 2026.
Find out more and register your place on the AHSMS – Level 5 →
