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What Is The Role of The SIA?

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What Is The Main Role of The SIA?

If you work in or own a business in the UK that hires security services then this is the perfect opportunity to brush up on getting to know how the Security Industry Authority (SIA) operates. The SIA regulates the private security industry in the UK and makes sure the private licensing act 2001 is upheld by checking that all security staff are properly trained, licensed, and background checked. With our industry knowledge we explain the role of the SIA and how it impacts thousands of businesses across the UK that rely on contracted security services every day.

What Does The SIA Do?

The SIA is responsible for ensuring that only accredited individuals work in the private security sector by:
1. Putting in place barriers of entry to work for anyone who want to work as a security guard, CCTV operator, door supervisor or close protection officer. In order to work in these roles must have the relevant SIA licence in your hand. To get the licence you will need to undergo training from an accredited training provider and awarding body. Then after the training you have to pass identity and background checks. This all serves to give businesses and end user touchpoints of security services peace of mind that the security officer is credible and capable of performing their job diligently.
2. Managing the approved contractor scheme (ACS). This is a voluntary programme for security companies, however it is actively encouraged and promoted for security companies to join. If a security provider is ACS accredited it means that they meet all the criteria to give customers a high standard of service, develop staff through training and deliver best practices of business management.  Buyers often choose ACS accredited security companies as it gives them more confidence that they will receive a better overall service.

    Two SIA approved guards working in the UK

    Why Does The SIA Matter For Your Business?

    If you hire security then you expect them to be up to the job. The SIA are the body that makes sure that the people protecting your business meet the minimum standards required. Here’s how the SIA will benefit you as a business:
    Safety and Trust: Every day the SIA performs 100’s of background checks to ensure that those applying for a security license have right to work in the UK, are who they say they are and those with serious criminal records aren’t issued a licence. Their processes mean that if you do hire security guards you have that basic level of protection for your business and customers. Between the years 2020 and 2023 a total of 934 licences were revoked because of non-compliance or failure to meet the SIA’s required standards. That is nearly one person’s application rejected per day each year. 
    Training Standards: Speaking from experience the training standard to obtain an SIA licence have dramatically improved over the years. The training required now includes skills like conflict management, physical intervention and first aid as well as basic fire safety. This all serves the higher purpose of ensuring that security personnel know how to handle incidents that could occur at your business.
    • Legal Compliance: You are committing a criminal offense if you knowingly hire unlicensed security staff. In 2023, over 1,200 SIA licences were revoked or suspended. This means that a one time licence check is not enough and licences should be checked regularly as just because it says “expiry July 2026”, it could be revoked and there is no excuse for you not checking regularly. SIA approved contractor have software in place that normally automatically flags when a licence is no longer active so they can take immediate remedial action and protect themselves and their clients against prosecution.

    The Approved Contractor Scheme (ACS) Why It’s Worth It

    I think we touched upon it just now and the ACS is all about giving the customer reassurance. The ACS is a mark of quality in the security industry and if your security supplier has it against it’s company name you can expect:
    Better Standards and consistent quality, as ACS-accredited companies go through regular assessments by the SIA and quality bodies such as the ISO to ensure they meet 9001 British standards in areas such staff training and customer service and complaint escalation.
    Trustworthy Providers, as when you hire an ACS approved security company, you know that their processes and staff have been recently independently audited and given the green light

    How Does The SIA Protect Your Business?

    The SIA does a great job in regulating who can work in security roles and even own or manage security companies. They have turned around the perception of the security industry from a murky unregulated service sector to one of corporate professionalism and excellent by ensuring their stamp on approval in on everyone’s license in the industry. 
    Remember security are often hired for sensitive tasks such as protecting someone’s home and family to overnight security in a corporate office or retail shop. So the SIA protects businesses by ensuring those employed to conduct those roles are above board and fit to do so. The SIA also protects businesses by keeping up with demand without sacrificing quality. In 2024, over 27,000 SIA licences were processed. This alone reflects the SIA’s ongoing commitment to maintaining standards despite the high demand for licences.

    DCS-Female-Security-Officers

    How To Ensure Compliance With SIA Regulations

    As a business you can take a few easy steps to check to make sure your security provider follows SIA regulations. Here’s what you can do in no time at all:
    1. Ask your security provider to confirm in writing that their staff hold valid SIA licences. You are able to request the licence numbers and check them on the SIA’s public register.
    2. Choose an ACS-accredited company for compliance and quality as standard.
    3. Regularly review your security provider’s performance to ensure they are following SIA guidelines and maintaining quality standards.

    Why Understanding the SIA’s Role Is Important

    The SIA role ensures that your security staff are qualified and meet their standards. Hiring SIA-licensed personnel not only lowers business risks but enhances safety on the job. Partnering with an ACS accredited firm will guarantee you quality security services. If you understand the SIA’s role it will help you choose the right provider and help you to keep your business safe, legal, and secure. The SIA aims to inspect the security sector, set standards for conduct and training, and recommend improvements for industry standards.

      Need help with your security needs? Reach out to discuss how licensed security professionals can make a difference for your business.

      What Is The Role of The SIA - DCS GRP

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