Why SIA licensing exists
The Security Industry Authority (SIA) regulates the private security industry in the UK under the Private Security Industry Act 2001. Its job is to make sure that people working in key security roles are properly trained, identity checked and free of relevant criminal records.
For a business, this matters for two reasons. First, using unlicensed staff for licensable work can be a criminal offence for the supplier and, in some cases, for the client. Second, a licence is your basic assurance that the person on your door or in your control room has passed the required training and checks.
The four front line licences
Most clients only ever deal with front line licences, which cover the people actually doing the security work. There are four main types.
| Licence | What it allows | Typical settings |
|---|---|---|
| Door Supervisor | Security at licensed premises and events, plus all security guarding duties | Pubs, clubs, bars, events, retail, sites |
| Security Guard | Guarding premises, property and people against crime | Offices, warehouses, construction sites, shops |
| Public Space Surveillance (CCTV) | Monitoring public spaces or identifying people using CCTV | Control rooms, shopping centres, councils |
| Close Protection | Guarding one or more individuals against assault or injury | Executives, VIPs, families, high-profile visitors |
A Door Supervisor licence is the most flexible, because it also covers security guarding. The reverse is not true: a Security Guard licence does not allow someone to work on the door of a licensed venue.
Which licence does your site need?
- Running a pub, bar or club? Anyone controlling entry or dealing with customers' conduct needs a Door Supervisor licence. Your premises licence may also specify how many door supervisors you must have on certain nights. See door supervision.
- Protecting an office, warehouse or building site? A Security Guard licence is the usual requirement for manned guarding and site security.
- Watching cameras that cover public areas? Contracted operators need a CCTV licence. See CCTV monitoring.
- Protecting a person rather than a place? That is close protection, which needs its own licence.
What training is behind each licence?
To apply for a front line licence, a person must complete an approved qualification for that role and pass identity and criminality checks. Applicants for Door Supervisor and Security Guard licences must also hold a valid emergency first aid at work certificate.
Training covers areas such as the law, conflict management, physical intervention (for door supervisors), searching, emergency procedures and dealing with vulnerable people. Licences need to be renewed, so a licence holder must reapply before it expires.
How to check an SIA licence
- Ask the officer for their licence card. It carries their photo, the licence type, the expiry date and a 16-digit number.
- Search that number on the SIA's online register of licence holders on GOV.UK.
- Check the licence is active, matches the role and has not expired.
Licence holders must wear their licence where it can be seen while working, unless the role requires discretion, such as some close protection work.
Licences and the Approved Contractor Scheme
Licences apply to individuals. The SIA's Approved Contractor Scheme (ACS) is different: it is a voluntary quality standard for security companies. If accreditation matters for your tender, ask the provider for current certificates rather than relying on website claims.
Not sure which licence your site needs? We can tell you in a five-minute call.
Book your security callFrequently asked questions
Does a Door Supervisor licence cover security guarding?
Yes. A Door Supervisor licence also allows the holder to carry out security guarding duties.
How long does an SIA licence last?
Front line licences are issued for a fixed period and must be renewed before they expire. The expiry date is printed on the licence card.
Can I check a guard's licence myself?
Yes. Use the 16-digit number on the licence card to search the SIA's public register of licence holders.
