Security Guard
- Regulators
-
- Security Industry Authority
- Nations
- United Kingdom
- Sectors
-
- Other
Regulatory or professional bodies
Primary regulator
- Regulatory authority
- Security Industry Authority
- Address
-
PO Box 74957
London
E14 1UG - Phone number
- +44 (0)300 123 9298
Regulation
Regulation summary
Section 3 of the Private Security Act 2001 means you must have a Security Guard licence if you are guarding property against destruction or damage, against being stolen or against being otherwise dishonestly taken or obtained.
You do not usually need an SIA licence if you will be working ‘in-house’. This is when you are employed directly by the company that uses your services.
Regulation type
Reserved activities
You must have an SIA Security Guard licence to guard property against destruction or damage, against being stolen or against being otherwise dishonestly taken or obtained.
- More about regulated activities and titles
- https://www.gov.uk/guidance/find-out-if-you-need-an-sia-licence
Qualifications and experience
New professionals
- Routes to qualification
-
You must get a recognised qualification by taking a training course and passing the assessments in order to be granted a licence. Details of the training course and assessment are set out online.
Professionals from outside the UK
- Recognition for professionals outside the UK
- All - there are routes to recognition for professionals from all countries
- Summary of routes
-
If you wish to rely on qualifications issued outside the UK you should contact the SIA in the first instance. Applications are considered on a case-by-case basis.
- More about recognition for professionals outside the UK
- http://www.gov.uk/guidance/apply-for-an-sia-licence
Registration
- Registration requirements
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Once issued, a licence is valid for three years – no other registration requirements apply. There is a fee for processing all licence applications, including renewals, and is payable whether your licence is granted or refused. The current fee level is £190.
- More about registration
- http://www.gov.uk/guidance/apply-for-an-sia-licence
Legislation
- Title of relevant act or charter
-
Private Security Industry Act 2001
- Website link to legislation
- https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/2001/12/contents