Security Guard Hiring Checklist: What Every London Business Owner Should Know

What should London business owners check before hiring a security guard?

Before you hire a security guard in London, it’s important to look at what your premises truly need. Make sure the company and their staff are fully licensed. Choose the right kind of guard for your setup. Check their background, insurance, and how their service will be monitored. Taking time upfront helps avoid issues down the line and ensures you’re not overpaying.

1. Understand Your Business's Security Needs in London

Every London business faces different risks based on its location and setup. A shop in Camden will have very different concerns to a warehouse in Croydon or a small office in Hackney. Ask yourself:

• What hours is your business open, and how many staff are there at different times?

• Are you looking to deter crime, manage access, or get emergency help fast?

• Which areas are most at risk? The front door, staff entrances, car park?

• Do you have more than one site, or share the space with other businesses?

• Is your location on a busy high street or tucked away in an industrial estate?

Helpful tools: Use the Metropolitan Police Crime Map or advice from your local council and HSE to understand your area's risks. These resources can help you build a solid London business security assessment.

Tip: A simple risk check can save money and help you avoid hiring a guard who isn’t right for your business. Doing a proper risk-based guard selection at this stage prevents overspending.

2. Know the Law: Licensing, SIA Compliance and Legal Duties

Hiring an unlicensed guard or company could land your business in legal trouble. Stay compliant by following these steps:

• The Security Industry Authority (SIA) sets the rules for security staff across the UK.

• Guards must have a valid SIA licence, check this online using the SIA checker.

• As a client, you must check they have the right to work and pass due diligence.

• Hiring unlicensed staff could invalidate your insurance and leave you open to significant penalties and reputational damage.

Tip: Always ask to see the licence and insurance details before agreeing to anything. Using a legal checklist for hiring guards helps protect your business. Make sure the security firm supplies full compliance documentation as part of their onboarding.

3. Choose the Right Type of Security Guard for Your Premises

Not all guards offer the same service. Think about what’s needed day-to-day:

• Static Guards are great for entry points or fixed indoor posts.

• Mobile Patrols are ideal for large spaces or multiple buildings.

• Concierge Guards can handle reception and basic security.

• Event Security is useful for crowd control and public safety.

• Some guards are trained in extras like first aid or fire response.

Example: If your business runs over several floors with CCTV and customers on-site, you might want someone who can cover both front-of-house and monitor the cameras.

Tip: Check advice from the British Security Industry Association or ask your local police business team for guidance when selecting the best security guard for your premises. Understanding the difference between a static vs mobile security guard helps tailor your site cover properly.

Night vs Day Security: What's the Difference?

Security risks can change dramatically depending on the time of day.

• Daytime Security often involves customer interaction, managing access for staff and visitors, and deterring theft in busy areas. Guards may be expected to provide directions, monitor CCTV, and act as a visible presence.

• Night-time Security focuses more on patrolling, responding to alarms, checking locked access points, and spotting suspicious activity. Fewer people on-site means guards often work alone and need quick decision-making skills.

Tip: Think about your peak risk periods. Decide whether you need 24-hour coverage or just a night patrol.

4. Check Experience, Training and Communication Skills

A good guard should be confident, respectful, and ready to act. Ask:

• Have they had training in de-escalation, customer service or emergency action?

• Do they have experience with businesses like yours?

• Are they able to write reports clearly and speak with staff or customers calmly?

• Can they manage tasks alone or in difficult situations?

Look for relevant certifications such as:

• SIA training

• City and Guilds Level 2 in Security Guarding/Door Supervision

• First aid certificates

Tip: Ask them to explain how they’d handle a tricky situation. It says a lot about their ability. A strong guard communication checklist can help you compare candidates.

5. Ask the Right Questions Before Signing a Contract

A good firm will be happy to answer your questions before you agree to anything. Ask them:

• What’s included in the service? Uniforms, emergency cover, holidays?

• What happens if a guard is off sick or doesn’t turn up?

• Can they change services if your site needs change later?

• Can you read testimonials or case studies from other businesses?

• Who’s your day-to-day contact for any issues?

Should You Hire Directly or Use a Security Firm?

Before you sign anything, consider whether you're hiring a guard directly or working through a security company.

Hiring a Security Company:

• They handle all vetting, training, and replacements.

• Easier to scale up or down based on need.

• May offer bundled insurance and client support.

Hiring Directly:

• More control over who you hire and how they work.

• You take full responsibility for vetting, insurance, training, and cover.

• May seem cheaper but comes with more risk and admin.

Tip: For most small and medium businesses, using a reputable London security company reduces risk and makes compliance easier.

6. Understand Cost Structures and Value for Money

You should know exactly what you’re paying for. London security isn’t cheap, so watch out for unclear quotes:

• Is it charged hourly or as a full package?

• Do you pay more on weekends or holidays?

• Are uniforms, radios, or first aid training included?

• What’s the trade-off if you go with the cheapest quote?

Tip: The cheapest quote could mean less training or no insurance. Always weigh price against risk. Knowing the real cost to hire a guard in London will help you spot hidden charges.

7. Monitor Guard Performance After Hiring

Your job’s not done once the guard’s in place. Keep checking:

• Are they doing regular patrols or reporting incidents?

• Can you see written logs or digital reports?

• Do you have a way to raise feedback or concerns quickly?

• Does the guard still fit your needs if things change?

• If things slip, are you ready to change providers?

Tip: Just like you’d review a supplier or cleaner, review your guard’s work too. Use a simple guard service evaluation template or performance tracking method. Basic performance tracking for hired guards ensures they’re doing what’s expected.

8. Avoid Common Mistakes London Businesses Make

You’re not the first to hire security, learn from others:

1. Don’t choose purely based on cost.

2. Always double-check licences.

3. Don’t skip the contract or assume it’s all covered.

4. Make sure they’ll fit in with your team and how you work.

5. Plan from the start how you’ll keep tabs on their performance.

Tip: Before signing, run through this whole list again. It could save a lot of trouble later. Avoiding security hire pitfalls will save you time, money, and stress.