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What You Need to Know About Criminal Records and SIA Licensing?
If you work in a business and use contract security services it is in your invested interest to know what checks are made by the security industry authority (SIA) and if people are granted licences with criminal records and can you refuse someone a job if they have a licence but also have a criminal record? All of our information is non bias and aimed at promoting the SIA and protecting brands and people. Here’s what you need to understand about criminal record checks in the security industry and how this impacts you. Criminal record checks are mandatory for SIA licencing as the SIA regulatory body will check your criminal record so they can decide if the individual is suitable to have a licence granted.
What Are Criminal Record Checks In SIA Licensing?
When a person has passed the training requirements for the licence they want to apply for they must then be processed by the disclosure barring service in order to get a criminal record check. This check is done at a basic level to keep people with certain criminal convictions from working in security roles. The check will show anything that is on their record from past to present convictions, as well as cautions and warnings. The purpose of a DBS check is to filter out anyone who could be a risk to your business or your customers.
The SIA check will give you peace of mind that any SIA licensed security you hire has been properly vetted. It is interesting to note that between 2019 and 2024, 39,193 individuals applying for an SIA licence declared some form of criminality on their applications.Â
Why Are These Checks Important for Your Business?
Criminal record checks are important for any businesses or individual who use third party security services. It serves as an extra layer of screening and assurance to make sure that the people guarding your property, assets or people are safe, suitable, and capable.
Given that there are over 432,282 active SIA licence holders in the UK, you can be confident that pool of licenced security personnel have been thoroughly vetted.​
Can Security Guards In The UK Have Criminal Records?
Yes, security guards in the UK can have a criminal record. Having a criminal record doesn’t always mean someone can’t work in the security industry. The SIA reviews each case individually with its own merits. During their review they consider the type of offence, how long ago it was and whether it has been spent or not. Minor offences from years ago probably won’t stop someone from getting their SIA licence, but recent or serious convictions might. If you are looking to apply for your licence and are in doubt then reach out to the SIA as they may be able to give you some clarity.
Can I Ask To See A Security Guard’s Criminal Record?
Under GDPR 2018, no, you can’t ask to see a security guard’s criminal record, unless you are their employer and it is required for good reason. In the UK a valid licence basically means the security guard has already passed the necessary criminal record checks. However if you want to do a bit more due diligence as a client of a security contractor, what you can do is ask your contract security provider to confirm that all their staff hold valid SIA licences and have had their criminal records checked with a statement from them that the person is suitable and fit for work.Â
Can I Refuse A Security Guard To Work For My Business If They Have Criminal Record?
No, if a security guard has a valid and active licence you cannot legally refuse to hire them. You are also not able to refuse a security guard work because of a spent conviction and you won’t be able to check their criminal record unless you are their direct employer and have a valid reason to do so. However, you can request a different security guard from your security provider if you have concerns about their behaviour or conduct at work. Normally they will change the security guard with no quibbles and reassign them somewhere else. It is only right that as a client you feel comfortable with the security staff your hiring to protect you or your business. Just keep in mind that anyone with a valid SIA licence has already been cleared to work in the security industry.
What Happens if a Security Guard Fails a Criminal Record Check?
Simply put if a security guard fails their criminal record check, they won’t get a SIA licence granted. This means they won’t be able to work in licensable security roles. In 2023, 3,882 SIA licences were revoked. A proportion of these were due to criminal offences or failure to meet other licence conditions.
How Can You Ensure Your Security Provider Is Compliant?
If you want to ensure your security provider is compliant to keep your business safe then take these three steps:
Firstly, ask your security company for proof that their staff have valid SIA licences. This will give you evidence they’ve passed criminal record checks and are cleared to work.
Secondly, make sure your provider is keeping up with licence renewals for people on your site and that they continue to meet all legal requirements by checking the licences of your current security team.
Lastly, you can ask for written proof that all security staff have passed the relevant checks and hold valid licences. This will add an extra layer of confidence.
Why Do Criminal Record Checks Matter for Your Business?
Criminal record checks are necessary for security personnel working in the United Kingdom. They are a safeguard to prevent certain individuals with a too colourful past from entering the security industry and working for your business. When you hire contract security services you are always getting SIA-licensed staff, as such you know those individuals have been properly vetted. In short, criminal record checks matter because they protect your business and help you feel confident that your security team is up to the job.
Need help with your security needs? Reach out to discuss how licensed security professionals can make a difference for your business.
