What I


ACT Awareness: essential training for today’s


security professionals I


n an increasingly complex threat landscape, continuous learning is essential for anyone responsible for protecting people, places and organisations.


From security officers and supervisors to venue managers and frontline staff, developing practical protective security skills is no longer a specialist requirement but a professional necessity.


One resource that continues to make a significant contribution in this area is ProtectUK's ACT Awareness e- Learning, which has recently been refreshed to provide an even more engaging and accessible learning experience.


Developed by the National Counter Terrorism Security Office (NaCTSO), ACT Awareness e-Learning is designed to enhance security awareness and help individuals recognise, understand and respond to potential terrorist threats and security incidents.


The course is aimed primarily at those working in venues and public spaces but is equally for members of the public and anyone with a role in public safety and security.


In June 2026, ProtectUK and NaCTSO launched a refreshed version of the ACT awareness e-Learning, introducing a range of enhancements designed to improve learning outcomes. The updated course has been rebuilt to meet higher accessibility standards, ensuring a wider range of users can engage effectively with the content.


The course itself can be completed in approximately 45 minutes and consists of six core modules covering topics such as suspicious activity, suspicious items, marauding terrorist


attacks and security vulnerabilities. It also introduces filmed exercises based on realistic scenarios, helping learners develop better judgement and build confidence in applying their knowledge in practical situations. These improvements strengthen the course's focus on real-world decision-making, a critical skill for today's security professionals.


The refresh also includes optional additional modules for those wishing to explore specific topics in greater depth. Importantly, all content has been reviewed and updated to reflect the latest national counter terrorism guidance. For organisations looking to incorporate ACT Awareness into existing learning and development programmes, the course is also available as a SCORM package for integration into Learning Management Systems.


On average, ACT Awareness is completed around 35,000 times every month through ProtectUK, demonstrating the scale of its reach and the growing commitment across sectors to improve security preparedness.


Whether you are new to the security profession or looking to refresh existing knowledge, the ACT Awareness e-Learning provides practical and relevant learning that supports safer places and spaces. Participants also receive a certificate on completion.


To access the free ACT Awareness e- Learning course and explore the wider range of protective security guidance and training available, visit


protectuk.police.uk 17 © CITY SECURITY MAGAZINE – AUTUMN 2026


learnt from being the only woman in the room...


T


he security industry has a persistent talent gap, particularly the under- representation of women.


How can organisations make career pathways more visible, build more inclusive workplaces and attract the diverse


perspectives needed to shape the industry’s future?


Having spent a decade in the B2B tech world before moving into security, I’m no stranger to male-dominated industries. I’ve been used to walking into meetings and being one of the few women in the room – sometimes the only one. But stepping into a global leadership role made something even clearer: despite the progress we celebrate, many of the rooms that shape our industry’s future are still not reflective of the world we’re protecting.


That perspective, shaped by two industries where women remain under-represented, has given me a sharper view of both the problem and the opportunity we have in front of us. The business case for closing this gap is not only compelling, it’s urgent.


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