Changes to the SIA licence in 2021

The Security Industry Authority (SIA) has announced that it is making some changes to the training individuals need to undertake before gaining or renewing their SIA licence.

The changes are designed to ensure that anyone working in the private security industry understands recent changes to the law, can make the best use of new technology and overall, can keep the public safe. They will be introduced in April and October this year.

Key changes coming in from 1 April 2021

• There will be updated qualifications for all sectors except close protection.
• You must have a first aid qualification before applying for a door supervisor and security guard licence.

The SIA already expects applicants for a close protection licence to have completed a first aid qualification before taking their licence-linked training. From 1 April 2021, this will also be the expectation of applicants going for a door supervisor and security guard licence too. The qualification must be an Emergency First Aid at Work qualification or equivalent.

The new rule will apply to anyone applying for a licence for the first time, or where it has been longer than 3 years since a licence was last held for that activity. From 1 October 2021, it will also apply to those renewing their licence.

Key changes coming in from 1 October 2021

• Updated close protection qualifications will be introduced.
• You must have one of the new qualifications, or take top-up training, before you can apply for a door supervisor and security guard licence. This includes renewals.

From 1 October 2021, you must have one of the new qualifications introduced on 1 April, or

one of the older licence-linked qualifications and do a ‘top-up’ qualification. This applies to any applications submitted on or after 1 October, including licence renewals.

Other changes

A number of other changes are also being introduced.

All security operatives will now undertake training in terror threat awareness and dealing with emergencies, along with some new sector-specific content. This includes new material on CCTV operational procedures and the law, being added to the public space surveillance (CCTV) course. While the security guarding course will include new material covering personal safety and the close protection course will be supplemented with new material on physical intervention.

The practical elements of the training are also to be increased, including for searching, dealing with conflict, report/statement writing and using communications devices.

For more information, click here to visit Security Industry Authority (SIA).

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