Compliance Guide
SIA Licensed
Security Guards
What SIA licensing means, why it matters, and what to check before hiring security for your site.
What Is the SIA?
The Security Industry Authority (SIA) is the UK government body responsible for regulating the private security industry. It was established under the Private Security Industry Act 2001 and operates as an arm's length body of the Home Office.
The SIA issues licences to individuals working in licensable security roles. Without a valid SIA licence, it is a criminal offence to work in a licensable security role in the UK.
ICU Security only deploys SIA licensed operatives and verifies every licence before deployment. Licence verification records are available to clients on request.
SIA Licence Check
All operatives verified before deployment
BS 7858 Screening
5-year employment history + identity verification
Correct Licence Category
Right licence for the right role, every time
Records Available
Licence verification records on request
SIA Licence Categories
Security Guard
Manned guarding of premises, assets, and people. Required for static guarding and mobile patrol roles.
Door Supervisor
Controlling access to licensed premises and events. Also covers physical intervention training.
CCTV Operator
Operating CCTV systems in public spaces. Required for remote monitoring operators.
Close Protection
Personal protection of individuals. Requires additional specialist training.
K9 Handler
Security dog handling. Handlers must hold a Security Guard licence plus K9 handler qualifications.
Key Holding
Holding keys and responding to alarms at client premises. Requires Security Guard licence.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is an SIA licence?
An SIA (Security Industry Authority) licence is a legal requirement for anyone working in a licensable security role in the UK. It confirms the holder has passed identity checks, a criminal record check, and completed relevant training. Without a valid SIA licence, it is illegal to work as a security guard, door supervisor, or CCTV operator in a public-facing role.
What SIA licence categories are there?
The main SIA licence categories are: Security Guard (manned guarding), Door Supervisor (venues and events), CCTV Operator (public space surveillance), Close Protection (bodyguard), Cash and Valuables in Transit, and Key Holding. Each requires specific training and assessment.
How do I check if a security guard is SIA licensed?
You can check any SIA licence on the SIA's public licence checker at sia.homeoffice.gov.uk. Enter the licence number or the individual's name to verify their licence is current and valid. ICU Security verifies all operatives' licences before every deployment.
What is BS 7858 screening?
BS 7858 is the British Standard for screening individuals working in a security environment. It requires a five-year employment history check, identity verification, address verification, and reference checks. It goes beyond a basic DBS check and is the industry standard for security personnel vetting.
Does ICU Security verify SIA licences before deployment?
Yes. ICU Security verifies the SIA licence of every operative before deployment. We also ensure operatives hold the correct licence category for the role they are being deployed in. Licence verification records are available to clients on request.
What happens if a security company uses unlicensed guards?
Using unlicensed security guards is a criminal offence under the Private Security Industry Act 2001. Both the individual and the company can face prosecution. It also invalidates most construction site insurance policies and exposes the client to significant liability.