Security Industry Authority

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Security Industry Authority
Type	Non-departmental public body
Founded	2003
Headquarters	Liverpool, UK
Key people	Mike Wilson (Chief Executive) Ruth Henig CBE (Chairman)
Area served	UK
Focus	Regulating the private security industry
Method	Compulsory licensing of individuals working in specific sectors of the private security industry Managing the Approved Contractor Scheme
Revenue	Gross income for 2006/2007: £22,617,235
Members	87,000 licensable employees 320,000 SIA approved qualifications
Slogan	Helping protect society by collaboratively developing and achieving high standards in the private security industry.
Website	http://www.the-sia.org.uk

The Security Industry Authority was set up in 2003 in response to the United Kingdom Private Security Industry Act 2001. Its mandate is to reform and regulate the UK private security industry and to restore consumer confidence. Far reaching measures have been imposed on supplier contractors, for example all industry employees must hold a valid SIA issued licence. The categories of licensing include Door Supervision, Manned Guarding, Public Space Surveillance using CCTV, Close Protection, Key Holding, Cash in Transit and Wheel Clamping. The effects of the SIA's mandate are becoming evident, with 'cowboy' contractors being prosecuted.

The way forward for security companies appears to be via gaining Approved Contractor Status (ACS). It is thought that at some point insurance companies will require all companies to only use ACS-approved security companies.

Currently, licensing is only required by contract security companies' management & their employees. The British government is considering whether to extend this to in-house security officers.

[edit] Types Of Licences

Once a 'Main Licence' has been granted, this also entitles the bearer to the privileges of its applicable 'Integrated Licence' the current price of a licence is £245. Some security operatives may need more than one licence; in such cases the second licence will be discounted by 50%. Training is offered through companies such as the British Institute of Innkeeping Awarding Body.

Main Licence	Integrated Licence
Cash and Valuables In Transit (CVIT)	Key Holder
CCTV	Key Holder
Close Protection	Door Supervisor, Security, Key Holder
Door Supervisor	Security, Key Holder
Key Holder
Security	Key Holder
Vehicle Immobiliser	Key Holder

[edit] Approved Contractor Status

The Private Security Industry Act 2001 requires the SIA to establish a "system of inspection for providers of security services, under which those organisations who satisfactorily meet the agreed standards may be registered as approved, and may advertise themselves as such".

The objective of the SIA's Approved Contractor scheme is to raise performance standards and to assist the private security industry in developing new opportunities. The scheme is voluntary and was developed in consultation with representatives from across the industry; it only covers those parts of the industry that are regulated by the SIA and the Private Security Industry Act.

There is a single scheme, with sector-specific approval based on a relevant set of qualifying criteria. Companies that operate in more than one sector will not be disadvantaged.

More information is available in 'How to Become an SIA Approved Contractor' brochure.