Mitigation is not invited in all cases. Your letter informing you of our licensing decision will advise you on whether we will consider mitigation in your case.

If we request mitigation from you, we will clearly state in our letter what constitutes acceptable mitigation. Any letters provided from you which do not comply with these requirements will not be considered. We will not consider any type of mitigation or character references on automatic refusal cases.

In considering your mitigation we will also consider information from other sources which suggests evidence of criminal, dishonest, anti-social or inappropriate activity or association considered relevant to the licensable activity and role for which you are applying, or which may contradict the evidence you have provided in support of your application. We will not actively seek out such information but if it is provided to us it will be considered and may result in your licence being refused.

Points to Consider When Providing Mitigation

• The number of documents you supply in support of your application will not necessarily add weight to your case; it is the nature and content of the mitigation which is considered.
• In giving due consideration to any mitigation you supply, we will give more weight to mitigation if it is from an independent, verifiable and objective source with no vested interest in the licensing decision. What we mean by "no vested interest" is that information from previous employers, the police, or other people of standing in the community will be more persuasive than information from your family, friends, or current employers.
• We will assess your mitigation with respect to the implications for public protection from crime and the fear of crime.

What Should you Submit as Mitigation?

• Evidence of your rehabilitation since your offence (for example, proof that you have undertaken voluntary training in relation to the original offence or taken part in other community activities).
• Information for any offence(s) on your record (for example, information provided by the police which describes any mitigating circumstances regarding the offence. Please note however, it is not our intention to re-hear the criminal offence, and doing so would go beyond our published approach).
• Character references. Any character referee must:
  • clearly describe the capacity in which they know you,
  • identify the time period over which they have known you, and
  • confirm they know about the relevant offence/s and are still prepared to give the reference. The relevant offence(s) will be detailed in your refusal letter.

Information We Will Not Accept As Mitigation

Information which will not be considered relevant and will not be considered in the licensing decision includes:

• Your financial situation.
• Whether you hold/held a private security industry licence previously under other licensing schemes (e.g. those run by local authorities or police).
• Whether you hold a firearms licence.
• Other SIA licensing decisions which you think are similar to your case.
• Emotional circumstances and arguments other than character references.