Are You Ready?

8 October 2007:It is now less than four weeks until Security Industry Authority (SIA) licensing extends to Scotland. From 1 November, it will be illegal to work in certain designated sectors in the private security industry without an SIA licence.

The 1 November will see one set of SIA licences across the whole of Great Britain - Scotland, England and Wales. The GB-wide SIA licences are recognised as a portable symbol that the individual is trained, qualified and fit and proper for their role.

To date, over 238,000 people are licensed to work in the regulated security industry throughout Great Britain and there are 388 companies recognised as SIA Approved Contractors throughout Great Britain. Andy Drane, Deputy Chief Executive of the SIA said:

"We have been communicating with the industry in Scotland for over two years about SIA licensing and I am pleased with how proactive Scottish operators have been as we move towards 1 November. Thousands of employees, supervisors, managers and directors already hold an SIA licence, which demonstrates their commitment to working in a professional industry.

Regulation will prevent unsuitable people from obtaining positions of trust in the private security industry. Legitimate businesses will benefit as improving standards will drive out the small minority of companies who are tarnishing the sector by using the security industry as a front for illegal activities."

Notes to Editors:

• The final regulations to bring these measures into effect in Scotland were laid before the Scottish Parliament on 4 September 2007.
• In March 2003, the Scottish Executive approved proposals to regulate the Scottish private security industry and to invite the SIA to extend its remit to cover Scotland. The Serious Organised Crime and Police Act 2005, among its many provisions, extends the remit of the SIA to Scotland.
• From 1 November 2007, the licensable sectors in Scotland are: Door Supervisor (in-house & contact), Security Guard (contractors), Cash & Valuables in Transit (contractors), Public Space Surveillance CCTV (contractors), Close Protection (contractors), Key Holders (contractors).
• The penalties for offences under the Private Security Industry Act 2001 are potentially severe - for the most serious offences, fines are unlimited and can carry a sentence of imprisonment of up to five years.