The Security Industry Authority (SIA) is a long awaited government regulated body that has bought organisation and format to a market that was previously unstructured and is responsible for regulating the private security industry.

They are an independent body reporting to the Home Secretary, established in 2003 under the terms of the Private Security Industry Act 2001. Their mission is to help protect society by collaboratively developing and achieving high standards within the private security industry. Their remit currently covers England, Wales and Scotland.

They have two main duties. One is the compulsory licensing of individuals working in specific sectors of the private security industry; the other is to manage the Approved Contractor Scheme, which measures private security companies against a set of independently assessed criteria.

SIA licensing currently covers manned guarding (which includes security guarding, door supervision, close protection, cash and valuables in transit, and public space surveillance using CCTV) as well as key holding and vehicle immobilising. Licensing ensures that private security operatives are ‘fit and proper’ persons who are properly trained and qualified to do their job.

Their Approved Contractor Scheme introduced a set of operational and performance standards for companies providing private security services. Those organisations that meet these standards are awarded Approved Contractor status. This accreditation provides purchasers of private security services with independent proof of a contractor’s commitment to quality.

They believe that a professional, regulated private security industry has the potential to become a valuable member of the extended police family, helping to reduce crime, disorder and the fear of crime.