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<p>As the regulator of the private security industry, the Security Industry Authority (SIA) is responsible for the licensing of individuals wishing to work in roles which fall under the scope of the Private Security Industry Act 2001. Before issuing a licence, the SIA conducts an assessment of suitability in line with the published licensing criteria (<a href="https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/62e257e3e90e071434354438/sia-get-licensed.pdf" target="_blank">Get Licensed</a>). The SIA can update the licensing criteria, subject to approval by the Secretary of State.</p><p>To ensure that applicants are fit and proper to obtain an SIA licence, the regulator undertakes both a right to work and criminal record checks. In addition to these checks, the SIA requires prescribed qualifications for certain front-line roles (for example, a Level 2 Award for Working as a Door Supervisor). This assessment, prior to granting an individual licence, together with the SIA’s ability to suspend or revoke active licences when operatives fall below the fit and proper threshold, forms the current model of regulation.</p><p>The public must have confidence that licensed operatives have undertaken mandatory training. If the SIA finds that a licence holder has not completed all the required training and there is doubt over the validity of the qualification, the SIA will suspend or revoke their licence. The SIA is working with qualification regulators and awarding organisations to respond to instances of training malpractice, and to prevent learners from acquiring unsound qualifications. The Home Office continues to engage with the SIA on this issue and will support measures to end training malpractice.</p> |