Compliance · · 2 min read
What an SIA licence means when you hire security in the UK
Every security officer you hire in the UK should hold a valid SIA licence. Here is what the licence covers, what it proves, and how to check one in under a minute.
If you are hiring security officers for an office, a shop, a building site or an event, the first question to ask is simple: do they hold a valid SIA licence? In most cases it is not just good practice. It is the law.
What is the SIA?
The Security Industry Authority (SIA) is the government body that regulates the private security industry in the UK. It was set up under the Private Security Industry Act 2001, and it licenses individuals who carry out certain security roles for a business.
Working in a licensable role without a licence is a criminal offence. So is knowingly supplying unlicensed staff, which means the responsibility does not sit with the officer alone.
Which roles need a licence?
The SIA issues “front line” licences for roles including:
- Security guarding – guarding premises, property or people against theft, damage or unauthorised access.
- Door supervision – security at licensed premises such as bars, clubs and many events.
- Public space surveillance (CCTV) – monitoring CCTV to watch members of the public or identify people.
- Close protection – protecting a person from assault or injury.
- Cash and valuables in transit and key holding.
If you are not sure which licence a role needs, ask your security provider. A good provider will explain it without hesitation.
What a licence tells you
To get a licence, an applicant must:
- complete an approved, role-specific training qualification,
- pass an identity check and a criminality check,
- prove they have the right to work in the UK.
Since 2021, people applying for a door supervision or security guarding licence must also hold a valid first aid qualification.
A licence normally lasts three years. Officers must wear their licence where it can be seen while they are working in a front line role (unless the SIA has agreed otherwise for that role).
How to check a licence
You can check any licence on the SIA’s free online Register of Licence Holders on GOV.UK. Enter the 16-digit licence number from the card, or the holder’s name, and the register shows:
- whether the licence is active, expired, suspended or revoked,
- which type of licence it is,
- when it expires.
It takes less than a minute, and it is worth doing for every officer on your site.
Questions to ask a security provider
Before you sign a contract, ask:
- Will every officer on my site hold the correct SIA licence for the role?
- How do you check licences, and how often do you re-check them?
- What training do your officers have beyond the licence (first aid, conflict management, site-specific induction)?
- What happens if an officer’s licence expires during the contract?
How Harley Garrison handles licensing
Every Harley Garrison officer holds the SIA licence their role requires, and we check licences before deployment and throughout their time with us. If you would like to talk about security for your site, get in touch for a no-obligation quote.
Published by Harley Garrison
