Why SIA is so Important
April 19, 2017
The Security Industry Authority is the organisation responsible for regulating the private security industry. It is the independent body that is responsible for the industry and reports directly to the Home Secretary, under the terms of the Private Security Industry Act 2001. The SIA organisation covers the entire United Kingdom and are constantly reviewing and improving their standards and requirements.
The main duties of the SIA are:
- Compulsory licensing of individuals undertaking designated activities within the private security sector
- Managing the voluntary Approved Contractor Scheme, which measures private security suppliers against independently assessed criteria.
The licensing covers manned guarding or buildings, locations and people:
- Security Guarding
- Door Supervision
- Close Protection
- Cash and Valuables in transit
- Public space surveillance using CCTV
- Key holding
- Vehicle Immobilising
This licensing ensures that all the operatives are fit and capable to perform the roles required of them to properly fulfil their job role. The approved contractor scheme also introduced a set of standards for all suppliers of private security services to follow. Organisations that meet these standards, such as Accolade Security, are awarded the Approved Contractor status which gives proof of a contractors commitment to maintaining high quality.