Can someone confirm SIA regulations fo working outside the U.K?

[Johna]

Hi there,
Would someone be kind enough to clarify the position of C.P.Os working in Iraq/Afghan, do they need an sia licence? I was under the impresion that it was only a requirement in the U.K; so why is it that companys (CRG, Armourgroup, Aegis etc) require an applicant to have an SIA licence prior to interview? Or is it just a 'SIA' recognised course they want?

Please discuss

Regards Johna

[Paddington]

The simple answer is "No" you do not require a licence to work overseas for any British company.
There are many stories going around that the sia require British firms who employ staff for security in foreign lands, e.g Security for Holiday camps in Spain or Greece ( door supervisors ) or Close Protection all over the world.
This is not the case

Refer to the SIA webstie
http://www.the-sia.org.uk/NR/rdonlyr...p_guidance.pdf

CP badge is only required for work , at this time, In England and Wales. Where as door supervisors is of course now required in Scotland.

The reason behind the companies you have mentioned putting people onto the course, is to ensure that there is a 'minimum standard' for all operatives.

People coming out of the armed forces, I'm sure most would agree , don't necessarly make good CP/BG.
Their field skills, weapons drills ete etc may be excellent, But there are so many topics and subjects that need to be covered, and for each individual to be aware of.
Interpersonal skills, etiquette & communication and conflict management are seldom taught at ground level. These are just a few topics I have mentioned.

I have worked in the past with some fine boys and girls, and without a doubt 'know' that they will cover my back where and when necessary.
However, when it came to meeting the Ambassador and member of a royal family - I wanted to shoot the CPOs myself , when they thought it 'o.k' to address the party as:-
"o.k mate, how's it goin?"

Funny as it may seem, that nearly cost the company a very large contract.

Maybe this has given you an idea or at least one observation in reason.

Paddington.

[Johna]

Paddington,
Thank you kindly for your reply which has some very interesting points.
Can guys out there ellaborate on the level at which CPOs are 'actually' licenced in Iraq/Afghan at the moment? Are there guys in country who have deployed without licences?

Cheers
Johna

[co19]

Most British companies out in Iraq or Afghanistan only hire people with an sia licence. If you are on a FCO contract i would say thats a definite.

[APG]

The companies reequire you to be licensed purely for quality control except for FCO contracts which require them at Client's request.

[neiljordan]

Everyone's right here, the main thing being the 'standard' achieved is shown by the sia licence. It shows everyone has reached a certain competancy level. On a legal level it's also a companies 'ar*e covering', should things not go to plan.
Even AEGIS, who have a high profile CP role (on a US contract), protecting 2* and 3* US Generals and a US Ambassador in Iraq insist on all their British operators holding the licence.

Neil

[goodspy]

What else can an sia licence do for you exactly? And what are the requirements?

[littlewoman]

All sectors actually need a license in Scotland, not just doorsupervisors.

The sia course covers the etiquette stuff that some people may be in need of learning, but most of the rest of the standard SIA course would be irrelevant for hostile environments, its strictly UK with no arms drills and no unarmed combat either. Some courses do cover extras that would cover carrying arms, etc. but that is in addition to the SIA requirements.

I think the FCO's requirement for SIA licenses has far more to do with getting revenue for the SIA and so the SIA can say what a success they are by how many licences they have issued than anything to do with standards.

[KLOCKAN]

Take a LOOK.

. Do I require a Security Industry Authority (sia) license to work at ArmorGroup?
The introduction of the SIA license for Close Protection in September 2005 directs that it is mandatory for any security operator to have an appropriate SIA license in order work legally in the security industry within the UK. Whilst at this stage a license is not essential for working in countries outside of the UK, ArmorGroup considers it an advantage. Therefore, those applicants with a SIA license, or those who are in the process of obtaining their license, will be priority candidates.
For further information on the SIA license and close protection courses which qualify finishers for a SIA license visit www.the-sia.org.uk.


FAQ on Armor site .

Cheers

Rudy