60% Already Requested Licence Application Packs

1 February 2007: Today the Security Industry Authority (SIA) officially opened up licensing for six sectors of the private security industry in Scotland. Following on the success of SIA licensing in England and Wales, the extension to Scotland creates a single regulatory body for the private security industry in Great Britain.

Thousands of individuals in Scotland have demonstrated their awareness of regulation and have already requested their SIA licence application packs; well in advance of today's launch and November 2007, when it will become compulsory for those operating in designated security industry roles in Scotland to hold an SIA licence.

SIA Acting Chief Executive Andy Drane said:

"I am pleased to officially launch SIA licensing for Scotland. This is good news for security companies, security operatives and the public. SIA regulation in Scotland will ensure standards of training and professionalism in the private security industry are the same across the whole of Great Britain. The public will benefit from one regulator and one licensing scheme which will allow them to have confidence in a regulated and trusted industry, and Scottish security businesses will not be disadvantaged in a competitive market."

Jennifer Pattinson, SIA Head of Investigation for Scotland said:

"SIA licensing for Scotland will help protect the public by preventing unsuitable or poorly trained people from working in the private security industry and by raising standards of service. Since July we have been communicating with all sectors of the security industry in Scotland to help them understand regulation. Between now and November we’ll ensure that every person who requires a licence in Scotland has the support and guidance they need to obtain one."

The decision to extend licensing to Scotland follows responses to a public consultation paper issued by the Scottish Executive in September 2001. The responses displayed widespread support for SIA licensing from the police, local government, the public and security industry.

In April 2007 the SIA will launch the voluntary Approved Contractor Scheme (ACS) for security companies in Scotland. The ACS standard encompasses all aspects of business operations and is based on widely recognised business improvement models. To attain ACS status, security companies need to demonstrate that they have met quality standards designed specifically for the private security industry. Achieving ACS status will mean that the best security companies can show their customers real commitment to licensing and regulation.

Notes to Editors:

• The six licensable sectors in Scotland are:
  • Door Supervisor (in-house and contractors)
  • Security Guard (contractors only)
  • Cash & Valuables in Transit (contractors only)
  • Public Space Surveillance CCTV (contactors only)
  • Close Protection (contractors only)
  • Key Holder (contractors only)
• The estimated SIA licensable security population in Scotland is 16,300 individuals.
• To attain a front-line SIA licence applicants must undertake an approved training course, achieve a recognised qualification and undergo an identity and criminal record check.
• SIA approved training and qualifications, with a specific emphasis on Scottish law, were launched in September 2006.
• From November 2007 it will be illegal to work as an operative in a designated security sector without a front-line SIA licence. It will also be an offence for security company managers and directors to operate without an SIA licence or to provide unlicensed operatives.