Security Industry Authority

The Security Industry Authority is the organisation responsible for regulating the private security industry.

We are an independent body reporting to the Home Secretary, established in 2003 under the terms of the Private Security Industry Act 2001. Our mission is to help protect society by collaboratively developing and achieving high standards within the private security industry. Our remit currently covers England, Wales and Scotland.

We have two main duties. One is the compulsory licensing of individuals working in specific sectors of the private security industry; the other is to manage the Approved Contractor Scheme, which measures private security companies against a set of independently assessed criteria.

SIA licensing currently covers manned guarding (which includes security guarding, door supervision, close protection, cash and valuables in transit, and public space surveillance using CCTV) as well as key holding and vehicle immobilising. Licensing ensures that private security operatives are 'fit and proper' persons who are properly trained and qualified to do their job.