The SIA was established under the Private Security Industry Act 2001 to regulate the private security industry in England, Scotland, and Wales. It oversees licensing for various roles, such as security guards, door supervisors, CCTV operators, and many more security.

If you are looking to operate a business in the private security industry in the UK, you might need to consider getting the appropriate licences for your staff members or employees from the SIA. Each individual performing specific security roles should obtain a licence, and the company employing them should adhere to SIA regulations.

As SIA licences don't renew automatically, security companies need to ensure that all staff members will have their SIA security licence renewed, or possess a new SIA licence.

Why is the SIA licence mandatory?

The Security Industry Authority (SIA) licence is mandatory in the UK for individuals working in specific roles within the private security industry to ensure a higher level of professionalism, safety, and accountability. Several reasons justify the mandate of SIA licences:

Public safety

The primary reason for requiring SIA licences is to protect the public. By regulating the industry and ensuring that only properly trained and vetted individuals can work in security roles, there is a reduced risk of unqualified or potentially dangerous people performing security duties.

Professionalism

The SIA licence helps to promote professionalism within the private security industry. By setting standards for training, conduct, and competence, the SIA encourages security personnel to adhere to best practices and uphold a higher level of service.

Quality assurance

The SIA ensures that individuals seeking a licence undergo appropriate training and background checks. This process helps to filter out unsuitable candidates and raises the overall quality of security personnel.

Crime reduction

A regulated security industry can help in reducing crime rates. Licenced security professionals are more likely to handle situations appropriately and within the boundaries of the law.

Accountability

The SIA licence provides a mechanism for holding security personnel accountable for their actions. If licenced security professional engages in misconduct or breaches regulations, their licence can be revoked, preventing them from continuing to work in the industry.

Customer confidence

Hiring licenced security staff for clients and employers offers peace of mind, knowing that they employ trained and vetted professionals.

Industry reputation

A well-regulated industry with licenced personnel can improve the reputation of the private security sector as a whole, attracting more business and opportunities for growth.

Who doesn't need an SIA licence?

There are certain exemptions in the UK where individuals may not be required to hold a Security Industry Authority (SIA) licence to work in security roles. Some of the common exemptions include:

In-house security staff: If a company or organization employs security personnel solely to provide security for their own premises and properties (not contracted out to others), they may be exempt from SIA licensing requirements. However, there are specific criteria and conditions that must be met for this exemption to apply.

Police officers: Active police officers engaged in official duties are exempt from SIA licensing requirements.

Armed forces personnel: Serving members of the Armed Forces performing their official duties are exempt from SIA licensing requirements.

Some government officials: Certain government officials may be exempt from SIA licensing requirements if they perform specific security-related functions as part of their official duties.

Volunteers: In some cases, volunteers working for charitable or voluntary organizations may be exempt from SIA licensing requirements, provided they are not remunerated for their security activities.

What type of SIA licence do I need?

Two of the most common SIA licence types are the SIA security guard licence and the SIA door supervisor licence.

SIA Security Guard Licence

Role Description: Security guards are individuals hired to protect properties, assets, and people. They are often employed in a wide range of settings, such as office buildings, retail stores, construction sites, warehouses, and residential areas. Their primary responsibilities include patrolling the premises, monitoring CCTV cameras, conducting security checks, and responding to potential security threats or incidents.

SIA Licence Requirement: To work as a security guard in the UK, individuals are required to obtain a Security Guard SIA licence. This licence ensures that security guards have received appropriate training and passed a background check to demonstrate their suitability for the role.

SIA Door Supervision Licence

Role Description: Door supervisors, also known as bouncers, are responsible for managing access control and ensuring the safety of patrons at venues such as bars, nightclubs, music events, and entertainment establishments. They check identification, monitor crowds, handle conflicts, and enforce venue policies to maintain order and prevent potential security incidents.

SIA Licence Requirement: Individuals working as door supervisors need to obtain a Door Supervisor licence. Door supervision licence holders have completed the required training, including conflict management and physical intervention skills, and have passed a background check to be eligible for the role.

Both the Security Guard and Door Supervisor licences are crucial for maintaining professionalism and security standards within the private security industry. Obtaining the appropriate SIA licence ensures that individuals are competent, trained, and vetted to perform their security duties, promoting public safety and confidence in the security services provided. These licences must be renewed every three years to ensure ongoing compliance with SIA regulations.

Other SIA licence types

If you are not operating as a door supervisor or a security guard, you need to make sure, that you acquire the appropriate licence renewal for your job.

Close Protection Operative (CPO) Licence: Also known as bodyguards, close protection operatives provide personal security to individuals at risk of harm or violence.

Public Space Surveillance (CCTV) Licence: This licence is for individuals operating surveillance equipment in public spaces, monitoring and recording activities for security purposes.

Vehicle Immobilizer Licence: Vehicle immobilizers are responsible for lawfully immobilizing vehicles, such as in repossession or recovery situations.

Security Dog Handler Licence: Handlers working with trained security dogs in security-related roles require this licence.

Key Holding Licence: Key holders are individuals or companies responsible for holding keys to premises and providing access when required.

Non-frontline Licence: This licence is for individuals who work in security roles but do not engage in direct security activities. It includes roles such as security consultants or managers.

Do managers need an SIA licence?

Security company managers may require non-front-line SIA licences. These are for individuals who work in security-related roles but do not engage directly with the public or perform security duties on the ground. These roles are more administrative or managerial in nature and may involve tasks such as security consulting, planning, or coordinating security operations.

Some common non-front-line SIA licences include:

Security Consultant Licence: For individuals providing security advice and consulting services.
Security Manager Licence: For managers responsible for overseeing security operations and personnel but not involved in direct security activities.
Key Holding Licence: For companies or individuals responsible for holding keys to premises and providing access.

When do I need to renew my SIA licence?

After three years, individuals holding an SIA licence must renew it to continue working in regulated security roles.

It's essential for licence holders to keep track of their licence expiration date and begin the renewal process well before the expiration date to avoid any disruptions in their employment. The SIA usually sends out reminders to licence holders when it's time to renew, but it's the individual's responsibility to ensure they renew on time.

The renewal process may involve updating personal information, providing evidence of continued training or qualifications, and paying the required renewal fee. Failure to renew the SIA licence on time may result in the individual having to stop working in the regulated security role until the renewal process is completed.

SIA licence renewal processes

If your current licence expires, you should follow these steps to renew your SIA licence in the UK:

Check eligibility: Ensure that you are eligible for licence renewal. You must still be working in a regulated security role, and your current SIA licence should be within its renewal period (usually four months before the expiration date).
Create an online account: If you don't have one already, create an account on the SIA's website (https://www.sia.homeoffice.gov.uk/) by providing the necessary details.
Access your account: Log in to your SIA online account using your credentials.
Complete the renewal form: Once logged in, navigate to the licence renewal section and complete the renewal application form. You'll need to update your personal information that matches your previous SIA licence application and provide any relevant documentation, such as proof of continued training or qualifications.
Pay the renewal fee: You will be required to pay the licence fee during the application process. The licence renewal costs may vary based on the type of licence you hold.
Submit the SIA licence application: Review all the information you provided and submit your renewal application.
Await confirmation: The SIA will process your application. If everything is in order, they will renew your licence and send you a confirmation email or letter.
Receive your new licence: Once your application is approved, you will receive your renewed SIA licence. It's crucial to keep this updated licence with you while working in a regulated security role.

Remember that it is your responsibility to initiate the renewal process in a timely manner. Ideally, you should begin the renewal process at least three months before your current SIA licence expires to ensure a smooth transition and avoid any gaps in your licensure.

Please note that licensing procedures may change over time, so it's essential to verify the most up-to-date information and see the official SIA licence renewal guide.

What are security companies' responsibilities?

Security companies in the UK are responsible for ensuring that their staff members hold the correct Security Industry Authority (SIA) licences before deploying them to work in regulated security roles. To fulfil this responsibility, security companies typically follow these steps:

Verification of Licences: Before hiring security personnel, the company must verify that each candidate holds a valid SIA licence for the role they will be performing. This involves requesting and reviewing the individual's SIA licence and confirming its validity and relevance to the job.

Ongoing Monitoring: Once employed, security companies should regularly monitor the expiration dates of their employees' SIA licences. They may maintain a tracking system or database to ensure timely renewals.

Training and Qualifications: Security companies should provide their staff with appropriate training to enhance their skills and knowledge in security-related tasks. They may also ensure that their employees meet any additional qualifications required for the specific security roles they perform.

Record Keeping: Companies should keep records of their staff's SIA licences, training certifications, and any other relevant documentation. These records are essential for demonstrating compliance during inspections or audits.

Compliance with SIA Regulations: Security companies must adhere to the regulations set forth by the SIA. This includes ensuring that employees display their SIA licences while on duty and following guidelines related to security practices.

Coordinating Licence Renewals: It is the company's responsibility to coordinate and facilitate the renewal process for employees nearing the expiration of their SIA licences. This may involve reminding staff members of the need to renew their licences and supporting them through the renewal application.

Reporting Changes: If any employee's SIA licence is suspended, revoked, or becomes invalid for any reason, the security company should be aware of the change and take appropriate actions, such as reassigning the individual to non-frontline duties until the licence issue is resolved.

How can PARiM help with SIA licence renewal?

PARiM is a workforce management software with specific features tailored for the security industry that will help both managers and staff members stay up to date with SIA licence expirations.

For managers

Licence expiration notifications: PARiM can send automated notifications to managers when staff members' SIA licences are approaching expiration. This feature helps managers stay proactive in ensuring that their security personnel have valid and up-to-date licences, reducing the risk of non-compliance and legal issues.
Compliance management: The system allows managers to track and manage staff certifications, including SIA licences, ensuring the workforce complies with industry regulations. Managers can easily monitor the status of staff licences and take necessary actions, such as arranging renewals or reassignments when licences are about to expire.
Document management: PARiM provides a centralised platform for storing and managing important documents, such as SIA licences and other certifications. Managers can easily access and verify the validity of documents for each staff member, streamlining administrative processes.
Real-time updates: Managers receive real-time updates on the status of staff members' licences and document uploads. This ensures they are promptly informed of any changes or updates, allowing them to address compliance matters efficiently.

For staff members

Licence expiration reminders: PARiM can send automated reminders to staff members about the upcoming expiration of their SIA licences. This feature helps ensure that staff members stay proactive for their next SIA licence renewal, avoiding any disruption to their work due to expired licences.
Document uploads: Staff members can upload their SIA licences and other relevant documents directly to the PARiM platform. This feature ensures that all required certifications are readily available and accessible to managers, simplifying the process of compliance verification.
Easy access to information: Staff members can view their licence status and submission history through their PARiM accounts, providing them with transparency and control over their compliance documents.
Seamless communication: PARiM facilitates communication between staff members and managers, allowing staff to notify their managers when they have renewed their SIA licences or uploaded new documents, ensuring smooth coordination.

PARiM's features for license expiration notifications and document uploads contribute to improved compliance management, streamlined administrative processes, and enhanced communication between managers and staff members, ultimately benefiting both parties and ensuring a well-organized and compliant security workforce.

How to renew SIA licence? A guide for managers and staff