10 Principles of Professional Conduct Every Corporate Security Guard Should Follow

What are the core conduct standards for corporate security guards in the UK?

Corporate security guards are expected to provide consistent professional service, follow agreed procedures, and represent the client with care. These ten principles outline the expected standards for on-site conduct, ethics and communication. Each one strengthens professionalism, legal compliance and client trust.

How should security guards maintain a professional appearance?

Guards must present themselves in a way that reflects the client's expectations. A clean uniform, polished footwear and a visible SIA licence help set the right tone.

• Check appearance and ID badge before each shift begins

• Make sure grooming meets site expectations

• Follow the uniform policy without exceptions

How can security guards improve their situational awareness?

Good guards notice things others might miss. By staying aware of surroundings, they can prevent incidents before they occur.

• Observe access points and who enters or exits

• Report anything that looks unusual or out of place

• Pay attention to people’s behaviour and changes in the environment

• Support visitor management systems by keeping accurate entry logs

What communication practices should guards follow?

Polite and clear communication creates better outcomes. Whether guiding a visitor or handling a concern, how a guard speaks makes a difference.

• Speak clearly, especially when giving instructions

• Write reports and handovers in plain, factual language

• Stay calm and respectful even during tense situations

• Understand visitor management protocols and communicate site expectations effectively

Why is integrity and confidentiality important in security roles?

Security work requires trust. Guards often see or hear sensitive information and must handle it with care.

Do:

• Log events honestly and stick to the facts

• Keep work-related information private

Don’t:

• Share site matters with anyone outside the authorised team

• Breach the code of ethics expected from licensed security professionals

What policies and guidelines should guards follow?

Guards should follow the same procedures every shift. This ensures consistency and shows reliability.

• Sign in and out using the correct method

• Stick to assigned patrol areas

• Apply the site conduct policy every time

• Understand the workplace professionalism standards outlined in your company’s code of ethics

How can guards keep their skills current?

Security is always changing. Guards stay effective by refreshing skills and staying up to date.

• Join training in conflict response, fire safety and lone working

• Renew the SIA licence as required

• Complete refresher sessions arranged by the company

• Refer to internal conduct training modules for case-based learning and updates

What is the proper use of security technology on-site?

Many sites rely on digital systems for protection. Guards must know how to use these tools properly.

• Record activity in logs without delay

• Report faults in CCTV or access systems as soon as possible

• Only use tools and platforms that have been approved

• Understand the role of security patrol responsibilities when using surveillance tools

How should guards stay accountable and aligned with supervisors?

Open communication supports a better team. Guards who report early and join debriefs help keep the workplace organised.

• Attend briefings and share accurate updates

• Take responsibility for decisions made on shift

• Listen to feedback and apply it

• Reflect workplace professionalism in every supervisor interaction

Why is respect for the workplace environment important?

Good guards are polite, aware and supportive. Their behaviour should match the tone of the workplace.

• Say hello to visitors without being overfamiliar

• Keep a helpful but professional distance

• Respect office rules and shared spaces

What are the legal and licensing responsibilities of corporate guards?

Working within the law is non-negotiable. Guards need to understand what their SIA licence allows and what it does not.

• Always display and carry a valid SIA licence

• Use verbal methods first when dealing with problems

• Only use force if the law allows and no other option is safe

These ten principles help security guards understand what is expected from them and support a consistent workplace culture. Supervisors can also use these as a benchmark to keep teams aligned and confident on site.

Glossary of Technical Terms

SIA Licence – A required licence issued by the Security Industry Authority in the UK. It confirms that a guard is authorised and trained to work in specific security roles.

Situational Awareness – The ability to observe the surrounding environment and detect potential threats or irregularities in real time.

Citizen’s Arrest – A lawful action where a member of the public, including security guards, can detain someone committing a serious offence until police arrive, within strict legal limits.

Access Control System – A digital or physical system that manages and monitors who is allowed to enter or exit a building or restricted area.

Incident Log – A written or digital record of events, observations or actions taken by guards during their shift, used for reference and accountability.

Lone Working – A situation where a guard is working without direct supervision or in isolation from other employees, requiring specific safety measures.

Conduct Policy – A formal set of guidelines outlining how employees should behave at work, including expectations for security staff on-site.

Code of Ethics – A document outlining the expected standards of behaviour, integrity and decision-making for security professionals.