Significant technical detail on the licensing of individuals can be found on this website - the below is intended as a brief and limited introduction to licensing for security buyers/users.

One of the main duties of the SIA is the compulsory licensing of individuals working in designated sectors of the private security industry. Our remit currently covers England, Wales and Scotland.

Whether or not an individual requires a licence is determined by the role that is performed and the activity that is undertaken. These are described fully in Section 3 and Schedule 2 of the Private Security Industry Act 2001 (as amended).

The activities defined as licensable by the Act are:

• Manned guarding, which includes:
  • Cash and Valuables in Transit
  • Close Protection
  • Door Supervision
  • Public Space Surveillance (CCTV)
  • Security Guard
• Immobilisation, restriction and removal of vehicles
• Key Holding

In-house security operatives (i.e. those not supplied under a contract for services) invariably do not need an SIA licence, except where the individual operates in relation to licensed premises* (e.g. bars, clubs, venues, restaurants).

Security operatives must display their licences while working, unless special circumstances exist. An operative that is deployed by an SIA Approved Contractor can work without holding a licence for a limited period, provided the appropriate qualification has been attained and we have accepted that individual's licence application (i.e. we have confirmed that we are processing the application). Approved Contractors may use this special dispensation to deploy a limited number of operatives without them holding a licence.

The directors and line-managers of the supplying contractor must also hold an SIA licence. This is in the form of an official SIA letter.

It is possible to check whether an individual holds a valid SIA licence by using the Register of Licence Holders on our website. We occasionally suspend or revoke a licence if the individual holding that licence is no longer considered 'fit and proper' under our published criteria.

*'in relation to licensed premises' means when those premises are open to the public, at times when alcohol is being supplied for consumption, or regulated entertainment is being provided, on the premises.