What an SIA licence covers, and how to check one
Every contracted security officer in the UK needs the right SIA licence. Here is what the main licences cover and how to check one on the SIA register in seconds.
The Security Industry Authority (SIA) regulates the private security industry in the UK under the Private Security Industry Act 2001. Anyone carrying out licensable security work under contract must hold the right SIA licence for that work.
The main front-line licences are Door Supervisor, for security at pubs, bars, clubs and other licensed premises while they are open to the public; Security Guard, for guarding property, sites and people; Close Protection, for protecting people from assault or injury; and Public Space Surveillance (CCTV), for monitoring the public on CCTV.
A Door Supervisor licence also covers security guarding work, which is why many officers hold it. A Security Guard licence does not allow someone to work as a door supervisor at licensed premises.
Front-line licences last three years. Door supervisors and security guards must wear their licence where it can be seen while they are on duty.
To check a licence, use the SIA's online register of licence holders on GOV.UK. Search by the 16-digit licence number or the holder's name to see whether the licence is active, what type it is and when it expires.
Working without the right licence is a criminal offence, and so is supplying or using unlicensed security staff. A venue's premises licence can also require SIA-licensed door supervisors on duty at set times.
At Securial, we check every officer's licence on the SIA register before each booking, so you always know who is working for you.