You must have the necessary education, training, and experience to work in the private security sector. The Security Industry Authority (SIA) is in charge of overseeing the UK private security sector and grants licenses to people so they can apply for and practice a variety of professions.
What is an SIA license?
The organization in charge of making sure there are good standards for private security throughout the UK is called the Security Industry Authority (SIA). It was founded in 2001. An SIA license is required if you work in security. So anyone who has completed the necessary training can work in security with an SIA license. Depending on the tasks you perform and the position you hold, you may need a license.
The SIA makes certain that authorized security operators are appropriately educated and equipped to perform their duties.
The following professions are covered by SIA licensing:
- Close Protection Officers
- Keyholders
- Bodyguards
- Automobile immobilizers
- CCTV personnel
- Cash and valuables in transit
- Door supervisors
If you want to continue working in any of the abovementioned roles, you must regularly renew your SIA license, which is valid for three years.
What happens if you work without an SIA license?
Those who work in the security profession without a current SIA license run the possibility of going to jail or paying substantial fines and penalties.
What are the requirements for an SIA license?
You must meet the following requirements in order to obtain an SIA license:
- Be at least 18 years old
- Clear an identity check
- Acquire a clean criminal record
- Possess a recognized qualification for door supervisors
What are the different types of SIA license training courses?
Four main course categories make up the SIA training programs you can sign up for.
Door Supervisor Training – Training for door supervisors teaches participants how to perform operated guarding duties on properties under license. The only exception to this rule is jobs that exclusively require the use of CCTV or the transportation of cash and valuables.
Close Protection Training – Close Protection Training teaches participants how to protect one or more people from unprovoked, violent assaults or injuries.
CCTV training (Public Space Surveillance) – teaches learners how to use CCTV equipment to monitor activities, identify persons of interest, and identify suspicious behavior.
Cash and Valuables in Transit – It educates people on how to protect property against theft, damage, and unauthorized acquisition. It also includes instructing participants in safe property transportation techniques.
Security guard training – It is for manned guarding tasks that do not fall under the categories of close protection, transporting cash and valuables, or monitoring public areas.
The SIA advises applying for your license as soon as possible to reduce the possibility of starting work late. Delegates will also need to provide identification, address, and criminal background checks as part of the licensing procedure.
What is the cost of an SIA license?
Regardless of the specific license, you are looking for, a three-year SIA license costs £190 and is not refundable as of April 2020. The SIA still evaluates this number once a year. Additionally, the costs of the particular training you want are not covered by this price.
Up to four months before the expiration of your current license, you may submit an application for license renewal, which will have the same price.