Safety, Security, Emergency, Defence Qualifications (SSEDQ)
Who We Are
SSEDQ is a specialist awarding organisation dedicated to the UK’s protective services, emergency responders, intelligence and security community, and the Armed Forces. We provide competency-based, nationally recognised qualifications that ensure standardisation, interoperability, and professional recognition across safety, security, emergency, and defence sectors.
Our Unique Position
Unlike single-sector awarding bodies such as INfIRE (fire services) and DAO (defence), SSEDQ operates across the entire protective services spectrum, embedding CASLO standards and aligning qualifications to:
Joint Service Publications (JSPs) – ensuring compliance across all public service sectors.
Defence Systems Approach to Training (DSAT) – for Defence-specific qualifications.
The Regulated Qualifications Framework (RQF) – to provide national recognition and credibility.
What We Offer
Qualifications from Level 1 to Level 7, tailored to fire and rescue, policing, NHS emergency capabilities, intelligence, security, and defence.
Recognition of in-service training and operational experience through mapped qualifications and RPL (Recognition of Prior Learning).
Joint-service competency standards, designed to strengthen interoperability in multi-agency operations.
A robust quality assurance framework, giving employers, learners, and regulators confidence in every award.
Why It Matters
SSEDQ exists to address the gap between sector-specific awarding bodies. By creating qualifications that reflect real-world joint operations, SSEDQ enhances:
Public protection
Operational readiness
Professional development
Cross-service collaboration
Our Aim is simple: to become the awarding body of choice for the UK’s protective and emergency services — delivering qualifications that recognise, standardise, and elevate the capabilities of those who keep the nation safe.