Do I Need SIA-Licensed Security Guards?

If you are arranging security for your premises, one of the first questions to ask is whether the officers you appoint need an SIA licence.

For most contracted manned guarding services, the answer is yes. The correct licence helps show that the officer is authorised for the work, has completed the required training and has passed the relevant checks. It also gives you a clear process for confirming that the people protecting your premises are properly qualified and accountable.

This guide explains the role of the Security Industry Authority, which security roles require licensing and what you should check before appointing a security guard company.

What is the SIA?

The Security Industry Authority (SIA) is the organisation responsible for regulating the private security industry in the UK. It issues licences to individuals carrying out specific security activities and operates the Approved Contractor Scheme (ACS) for security companies.

An SIA licence is held by the individual security officer. It is not a licence held by the security company on behalf of every member of staff.

This distinction matters. A company may provide security services, but each officer must still hold the correct licence for the duties they personally carry out. You can check an officer’s licence through the official SIA licence register.

What does an SIA licence cover?

An SIA licence confirms that an individual has been approved to carry out a particular type of licensable security work. The licence does not automatically cover every security role.

For example, a person licensed for security guarding may not be authorised to work as a door supervisor at a licensed venue. The duties, location and purpose of the work all need to be considered.

The main types of licensed security work include:

• Security guarding: protecting premises or property against unauthorised access, damage, theft or disorder.
• Door supervision: guarding licensed premises, managing entry and helping maintain order at venues licensed to sell alcohol or provide regulated entertainment.
• Close protection: protecting individuals from physical assault or injury.
• Public space surveillance: operating CCTV for the relevant security purposes in public spaces.
• Cash and valuables in transit: protecting and transporting cash or valuables in a secure vehicle.
• Key holding: keeping or controlling access to keys or devices used to operate locks for security purposes.

Some licences cover more than one type of activity. For example, an appropriate door supervisor licence also allows the holder to carry out security guarding work. However, the requirements can depend on the exact duties being performed.

If you are unsure which licence applies to your proposed service, the SIA’s guidance on licensable activities is a useful starting point. For a specific site, a professional security provider should also explain how the officer’s duties match the licence held.

Do all security staff need an SIA licence?

An SIA licence is generally required when an individual carries out a licensable activity under a contract for services. This normally includes security officers supplied by a security guard company to protect another organisation’s premises, property or people.

This is why businesses arranging contracted security guards UK-wide should confirm that the provider supplies properly licensed officers.

In-house arrangements are treated differently. Staff employed directly by the organisation using the service do not usually need an SIA licence for ordinary in-house security work. There are exceptions, including door supervision at licensed premises.

The position can also change where an employee’s duties include more than basic security activity. For example, CCTV monitoring, key holding and physical guarding may involve different licensing considerations.

This article is general information rather than formal legal advice. If your arrangements are unusual, you should check the details with the SIA or an appropriate legal adviser.

Which checks are involved?

The SIA licensing process is designed to assess whether an individual is suitable and prepared to carry out the relevant role. The process considers areas such as:

• Identity: confirming who the applicant is.
• Right to work: checking that the person is permitted to work in the UK.
• Criminal record: considering relevant criminal record information as part of the licensing decision.
• Training and competence: confirming the required licence-linked qualification for applicable front-line roles.

The training requirement depends on the licence type. Security guards, door supervisors, close protection operatives and public space surveillance CCTV operators generally need the relevant licence-linked qualification before applying for a front-line licence.

Key holding has different training arrangements. The SIA states that there is no specific training qualification required for a key holding licence, although other duties carried out during an alarm response may require a different front-line licence and associated qualification.

You can read the latest information about SIA licence-linked training. Requirements can change, so providers and buyers should make sure their information remains current.

Why does licensing matter to your business?

Licensing is not simply an administrative requirement. It is part of making sure that your security arrangements are properly planned and managed.

If an unlicensed officer carries out licensable work, the consequences may affect the client as well as the provider. The SIA advises businesses to check that security staff have the correct licence before they begin work. Paying someone to carry out private security work without the required licence can lead to serious consequences.

For you as the buyer, licensed cover provides important reassurance:

• The officer has been assessed through the SIA licensing process.
• The officer has completed the required training for the relevant role, where applicable.
• The officer’s identity and right to work have been considered.
• There is a clear licence record that can be checked.
• The provider has a responsibility to match duties to the officer’s authorisation.

Licensing does not replace good management. Your officers still need clear instructions, suitable site information, supervision and a reliable reporting process. It does, however, provide an important foundation for a professional security service.

Individual licence or company ACS approval?

It is useful to distinguish between an individual SIA licence and company-level ACS approval.

The individual licence belongs to the officer. It relates to the type of security activity that person is authorised to carry out.

The Approved Contractor Scheme (ACS) is different. It is a company-level approval operated by the SIA. It considers how a security business manages areas such as:

• Staff vetting and recruitment.
• Training and development.
• Supervision and management.
• Insurance arrangements.
• Service delivery and operational quality.
• Records, procedures and customer support.

ACS approval does not replace the need for officers to hold the correct individual SIA licences. Both levels are relevant: the officer must be licensed for the work, while the company should have appropriate systems for managing the service.

Weston Group is an SIA Approved Contractor. Our ACS number is WESESOSC01.

For businesses comparing facilities management companies UK-wide, this distinction is worth understanding. You should look at both the credentials of the company and the licence status of the officers who will attend your premises.

Questions to ask a security provider

Before appointing a provider, ask practical questions that help you understand how the service will be managed.

Can I see the officers’ SIA licences?

You should be able to confirm that each officer has the correct licence for the proposed duties. You can also use the SIA’s online register to check licence information.

How do you verify licences?

Ask how the provider checks licences when officers join the organisation and how it confirms that licences remain current. This is particularly important when cover changes or additional officers are introduced.

What is your vetting and training process?

The provider should explain how it checks staff before deployment and how it confirms that officers have the training required for their role.

Who supervises the site?

Find out who your day-to-day contact is and how supervisors review standards, attendance, conduct and site instructions.

What insurance is in place?

Ask for information about the insurance arrangements relevant to the service. A dependable provider should be prepared to explain the protection in place for the work being carried out.

How are incidents reported?

You should understand how incidents, observations and recommendations are recorded and shared with you. Clear reporting supports good decision-making and helps your security arrangements develop as your requirements change.

How Weston Group supports your requirements

At Weston Group, we begin by understanding your premises, operating hours, risks and service expectations. We then work with you to develop a tailored guarding arrangement rather than applying the same approach to every site.

Our manned guarding services can support offices, commercial properties, industrial premises, construction sites and other working environments. We supply properly licensed and vetted officers and help ensure that duties are clearly defined from the start.

We also provide one point of contact throughout the service. This gives you a straightforward way to discuss staffing, scheduling, site instructions, reporting and any recommendations that arise.

For organisations in Blackwood and across South Wales, we can discuss the practical requirements of supplying licensed officers to your premises. Whether you need regular guarding, support with access control or related manned guarding services, we will help you understand the options clearly.

A sensible approach to licensed security

The answer to “Do I need SIA-licensed security guards?” depends on the role, the duties and how the service is provided. For most external security contracts, the relevant officers will need the correct SIA licence.

The safest approach is to check the licensing position, confirm the officer’s authorisation and choose a company that can explain its vetting, training, supervision and reporting processes.

If you are reviewing your current arrangements or planning security for a new site, Weston Group is available to discuss your requirements. We will provide clear guidance and help you put a dependable, properly managed service in place.