The Private Security Industry Act 2001 is the legislation regulating the private security industry in the UK. Under this legislation an individual must hold a licence if they undertake certain roles and activities described by the Act.
The Security Industry Authority (SIA) is the regulator of the private security industry in the UK, its primary role is to protect the public by ensuring compliance with the Act.
One of its statutory duties is to licence individuals who are suitably qualified and are fit and proper. This allows those individuals to work lawfully in security roles described in the Act. There are several offences under the Act which the SIA investigates and prosecutes. The SIA also offers guidance on the requirements of the legislation.
Business Improvement Districts may, as part of the services they supply to their members, deploy staff in their BID areas who may require an SIA licence.
An individual is required to hold an SIA licence if the work they are doing is part of a “contract for services” and involves “licensable activity”. Business Improvement Districts need to ensure that where they deploy Street Rangers, Wardens, Ambassadors, or other similarly titled roles, that these are compliant with the licensing requirements of the Private Security Industry Act 2001.
The NBCC has produced a helpful guide covering:
- When is an SLA Licence required?
- Other Benefits
- Offences
The guide can be downloaded via this link: SIA Licensing Requirements for BIDs
