Working as a security guard in the United Kingdom is regulated by UK Law under the Security Industry Act 2001. In order to work as a security guard in the UK private security industry you will need to undertake the legislated training as set by the Security Industry Authority (SIA) to obtain the necessary qualification in order to apply for the relevant Security Licence.
The Security Industry Authority (SIA) is in charge of overseeing the UK private security sector and grants licences to people so they can apply for and carry out various professions.
What does an SIA Licence allow you to do?
Anyone who has completed the necessary training can work in security with a SIA licence. Depending on the tasks you perform and the position you hold, you may need a licence.
Those who work in the security profession without a current SIA licence run the possibility of going to jail or paying substantial fines and penalties.
The SIA makes certain that authorised security operators are appropriately educated and equipped to perform their duties.
SIA licencing applies to positions in:
Close Protection Officer
Body guard
Door Supervisor
Cash and valuables in transit
CCTV operator
If you want to continue working in any of the aforementioned roles, you must regularly renew your SIA licence, which is valid for three years.
How do I select the correct SIA License?
People who want to work in a certain area of the security business can choose from a number of SIA courses. From close protection, CCTV surveillance to door supervision and security guarding.
You will leave the SIA training course not just knowing how to manage disputes and deal with emergencies, but also with situational awareness. Additionally, you'll be well-versed in everything required to submit your SIA security licence application.
Given that the particular licence you ask for forms a prerequisite for the job, it is important to pay special attention to the specifics of a SIA training course. These may not always be transferable. In other words, you cannot abruptly enter a position requiring a SIA close protection licence if you have a SIA door supervisor licence. Although you will have the advantage of having learned many of the procedures that apply in both situations, you will still need to go through the necessary training again.
Frontline and non-frontline SIA licences are available.
Frontline licences are necessary for those engaging in licensable activities (except key holding). These licences must always be displayed.
Non-frontline licences are available to persons who oversee, manage, and/or hire individuals who are doing licensable activities, provided that no frontline action is being performed.
Frontline SIA licence
Frontline licences are necessary for those engaging in licensable activities (except key holding). These licences must always be displayed.
Non-frontline SIA licence
Non-frontline licences are available to persons who oversee, manage, and/or hire individuals who are doing licensable activities, provided that no frontline action is being performed.
How much is an SIA License in the UK (2022)
It costs £190 to apply for a single SIA licence. All SIA licences last for 3 years.
If you need to get more than one SIA license you will qualify for a 50% discount on the second licence. This means that:
the first licence will cost £190
each other licence will cost £95
Up to four months before to the expiration of your current licence, you may submit an application for a licence renewal. Which will have the same price.
SIA LICENCE TRAINING COURSES
The SIA training courses you can enrol in can be broken down into four primary course types.
Door Supervisor Training - this type of training involves teaching people how to carry out operated guarding activities on licensed premises. The only exception to this is for roles which solely involve using CCTV or cash and valuables in transit.
Close Protection Training - these courses involve training delegates on guarding one or more individuals against unprovoked, violent assaults or injuries.
CCTV Training (Public Space Surveillance) - training which teaches participants how to monitor activities, identify people of interest and spot suspicious activity using CCTV equipment.
Cash and Valuables in Transit - training people on guarding property against damage, theft or unlawful obtainment. Also involves training delegates on the correct methods of secure transportation of property.
Security Guard Training - for manned guarding activities which do not fall under the descriptions of door supervision, close protection, cash and valuables in transit or public space surveillance training.
The SIA advises applying for your licence as soon as you can to reduce the possibility of starting work late. Delegates will also need to provide identification, address, and criminal background checks as part of the licencing procedure.
Security Guard Training Providers
It's worth noting that all the above information could change at any point, so you should stay informed of any SIA announcements. You can search SIA training providers to book your sia course by looking on the SIA website.
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