Your Guide To Getting Licensed

The SIA is an independent organisation established by the government under the terms of the Private Security Act 2001.

The SIA is responsible for raising the standard of professionalism and the quality of service throughout the security industry. The new licensing requirements carry the force of law and will help prevent unsuitable or poorly trained people from operating within the private security industry.

The aim is to reassure the public that every person providing private security services is both adequately trained and a fit and proper person for the job.

It is the work that you actually do, rather than the job title, which determines whether you need a licence, and the exact type of licence a person will need.

The following examples explain which security roles require a security licence:

Guarding premises or property

Guarding at building sites and guards in supermarkets and shopping centres

Security staff and stewards at entertainment venues, concerts, sporting events, demonstrations, festivals, protests, or similar events whose duties are to guard against disorder, protect property and maintain order in general.

• Guarding people against harm
  
• Working as a store detective

To qualify for an SIA licence to operate in any of the above front-line security roles, you must be aged 18 or over. You will also need to pass an identity check, criminal record check and have achieved the appropriate SIA approved training qualification.

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