It is important that government bodies, the police, the security industry and security users work in collaboration to help build a vibrant, professional and reliable private security industry. Jessica Clinkett says the SIA is leading the way.

The Private Security Industry Act 2001 established the Security Industry Authority – reporting to the Home Secretary – to regulate the private security industry. The industry largely welcomed regulation of an under-developed and under-valued business sector as the catalyst for driving change.

The security industry is wide ranging and 2005 saw the completion of licensing for door supervisors and vehicle immobilisers, and the start of licensing for the largest sector in the Industry – manned guarding. From March 2006 it became a legal requirement to hold an SIA licence in order to work as a security operative, supplied under contract, for guarding, cash and valuables in transit, public space surveillance CCTV, close protection and key holding.

Licensing originally covered just England and Wales but, following a consultation exercise in September 2001, the Scottish Executive decided to extend the SIA's remit to include Scotland. This received widespread support from the police, local government, the public and industry. Consequently, from November 2007, anyone working in the designated sectors in Scotland required an SIA licence.

Our regulatory activities are targeted only where action is needed and we carry these out in a way that is transparent, accountable, proportional and consistent, consulting widely with stakeholders. In all our work, it is important that we balance the public-protection purpose of regulation with the commercial needs of the security industry and its customers, such as facilities managers.

A common vision amongst the industry, government and regulator has helped us implement regulation that is both balanced and appropriate working in collaboration with the industry. We work with others to create a safer environment for the public and better opportunities for the private security industry, regulating the effectively to reduce criminality, raise standards and recognise quality service.

The Approved Contractor Scheme

In the drive for consistently higher standards in the provision of security services, we also introduced the Approved Contractor Scheme. Whilst the law requires licensing, the ACS is a voluntary accreditation scheme that has become a hallmark of quality for security providers that are able to demonstrate high standards and industry good practice.

The ACS standard encompasses all aspects of business operations. It takes a holistic view of how well an organisation is managed, how effectively it services its customers, how well it treats its employees and protects the public at large. The ACS Standard is based upon widely recognised business improvement models and European Foundation for Quality Management principles. The scheme incorporates British standards applicable to the private security industry, as well as other management processes that are considered best practice. However, as the ACS is a distinct accreditation; organisations do not need to be certified to other standards to meet ACS requirements.

Operational benefits for providers

Approved Contractors are given special dispensation to deploy a small proportion of their security staff while their licence applications are being processed. This helps them achieve greater flexibility and utilisation of resources. One of the criteria for becoming an Approved Contractor is that the organisation must achieve a designated minimum percentage of its security staff licensed at all times.

Practical benefits for buyers of security

The ACS accreditation mark enables buyers of private security services to distinguish between potential suppliers quickly, accurately and objectively. It provides assurance that the accredited provider has met clearly defined and independently assessed quality standards throughout their business. As a result, buyers can be confident that the quality of service they receive and the capabilities of the people employed under contract meet the highest industry standards.

There are now more than 600 accredited companies with 119,000 licensed operatives working for them in businesses ranging from one employee to many thousands.

The SIA and Good Regulation

 We are committed to the principles set out in the Legislative and Regulatory Reform Act 2006 and to the Regulators' Compliance Code, a statutory code of practice for regulators.

Our policies, procedures and practices are constantly under review, and we aim to ensure that our regulation of the private security industry is effective and efficient. We welcome proposals from stakeholders on how our policies, processes and services can be simplified, and we remain committed to continuous improvement and the principles of good regulation.

We, and independent research agencies, have carried research into the industry’s views of our policies regarding licensing. One survey involved confidential interviews with door supervisors, security guards and managers of security companies, to gain a broad understanding of what people think of us.

Earlier this year, work was undertaken by the University of Sheffield in collaboration with the Economic and Social Research Council and ourselves in new research to gauge the impact of regulation on the private security industry.

The data gathered is being assessed to measure the impact of regulation, inform us of stakeholder views and identify areas in which regulatory practices might be improved.

Regulation in Northern Ireland

December 2009 sees us moving into Northern Ireland, thus creating a single regulatory scheme for the private security industry throughout the United Kingdom.

The proposal to extend our remit was put out for public consultation by the Northern Ireland Office in August 2006. The results showed strong backing within the industry for regulation, and that this should be in line with practices in Great Britain.

Experience in Britain shows the same benefits of a regulated private security industry can be delivered in Northern Ireland: encouraging legitimate business, driving out criminality and driving up standards within the industry. Vitally, regulation will protect and reassure the public.

Moving forward

The private security industry has undergone a phenomenal change in the last five years, evolving from a sometimes under-valued service sector to a more professional and respected industry. Standards are being raised by attracting high calibre staff, improved training and remuneration, and the use of increasingly sophisticated technology.

Over the years, we have gained an understanding of the challenges security buyers, suppliers and customers face when regulation is introduced. We will continue to work closely with the industry and our stakeholders to ensure that those requiring a licence or licensing their staff have the support and guidance they need.



Jessica Clinkett is SIA Media Relations Officer.

www.the-sia.org.uk