ON-THE-DOOR security is about to become the subject of a new course for students.

As the new academic year gets under way, more than 400 colleges and centres, including 14 in the North-East, will be offering a door supervisor qualification in line with new government regulations.

The Level 2 National Certificate for door supervisors qualification has been developed by a consortium of the British Institute of Innkeeping, City and Guilds, and awards body NCFE.

The aim is to provide a national qualification and a common standard in door supervision that meets the Security Industry Authority's (SIA) regulations.

The SIA announced the launch of its compulsory national licensing scheme for door staff earlier this year.

To qualify for a licence, door supervisors will have to undergo an identity and criminal background check, and have gained an SIA-approved qualification, such as the new certificate.

The course, which covers conflict management, communication skills and the roles and responsibilities of door supervisors, will ensure that all students have reached set levels of training and professional standards.

Isabel Sutcliffe, chief executive of NCFE, said: "The introduction of this licence will undoubtedly have a significant impact on the security industry and, through the consortium's qualification, we hope to raise the level of service and professionalism within the industry."