The remit of the Security Industry Authority (SIA) is to be extended to Northern Ireland in 2009, creating a single regulatory scheme for the private security industry throughout the United Kingdom.
The proposal to extend the remit of the SIA to Northern Ireland was put out for public consultation by the Northern Ireland Office in August 2006. The results showed an overwhelming desire within the industry for regulation and that this should be in line with best practice in Great Britain.
The SIA has initiated a project board to manage the delivery of the project, under the Chairmanship of Andy Drane, SIA Deputy Chief Executive. The board includes senior representatives from the Northern Ireland Office and the Police Service of Northern Ireland. There is also a senior observer from the Private Security Authority, which regulates in the Republic of Ireland.
Key Dates
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January 2009 |
Training leading to the SIA approved qualifications available in Northern Ireland. |
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May 2009 |
The SIA will be accepting licence applications and application to the Approved Contractor Scheme (ACS). |
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December 2009 |
It will become illegal to work in certain designated roles in Northern Ireland without a licence. |
In Northern Ireland an SIA licence will be required for each different licensable activity undertaken. These are:
The Approved Contractor Scheme
The voluntary Approved Contractor Scheme (ACS) will be introduced for private security firms alongside the compulsory licensing of individuals. The ACS aims to raise standards in the private security industry in support of the wider mission of protecting the public. More than 500 companies providing security services in England, Scotland or Wales have already achieved approved contractor status, demonstrating their adoption of good practice across every key area of their businesses. Purchasers of security services are increasingly seeking suppliers with approved contractor status and this trend may now extend to Northern Ireland. |