Regulation raises standards and opportunities

On 20 March 2006, it will become a legal requirement to hold an SIA licence in order to work as a security operative, supplied under contract, for guarding, cash & valuables in transit, public space surveillance CCTV, close protection and key holding. It is already a requirement for door supervisors and Vehicle Immobilisers operating on private land to hold an SIA licence. This will include all non-police security personnel on nuclear sites.

Licensing will help ensure that those working within the industry are fit and proper persons. To qualify for a licence, front-line security operatives will need to meet tough criteria. They will need to pass identity and criminality checks, and show evidence that their skills and knowledge meets nationally recognised, and independently assessed, vocational qualification levels.

Buyers of private security services have reacted positively to the introduction of licensing. In consultation they have made their needs crystal clear. They want higher standards of quality and service. They want access to security personnel that are more thoroughly trained. And they want to work with suppliers that have consistent contract standards with performance management and quality systems in place. Most accept that this will come at a price, but regard value for money to be more important than cost.

Higher quality has to mean higher costs

The cost for an individual's licence is £190, the additional training required varies for each security role, but the combined cost is typically in the region of £600. Whilst the security licence is owned by the individual, it is highly likely that suppliers will meet these costs on behalf of their employees; an investment that will cost the industry in the region of £400m. As a result, contract prices for security services are bound to rise, but so too will standards of professionalism.
From obligation to opportunity

The next step in the drive to create ever higher standards in the private security industry, is the introduction of the SIA Approved Contractor Scheme (ACS) for supplying companies. This will provide purchasers with independent proof of accredited providers' commitment to quality throughout every key facet of their business.

Whilst licensing is demanded by law, seeking accreditation to the Approved Contractors Scheme is a voluntary decision. It's also likely to be a commercial decision because, without doubt, the approved contractor accreditation mark will be widely regarded as a hallmark of quality. 

Standards and criteria for security suppliers to achieve ACS recognition will focus on a combination of internal management processes and key aspects of service delivery. Approved contractors will undergo annual reassessment by an independent assessor to ensure that they have maintained the required standards.

For buyers, the ACS should help to simplify the procurement process by providing a benchmark for the quality of business management and service delivery they can expect from an SIA approved contractor. Over 1,900 organisations have already registered their interest in the scheme and we shall begin processing applications before the end of the year.

Is your supplier ready?

The next key date for licensing is 20 March 2006. After that it will be illegal to work in a private security guarding role without an SIA licence. The best suppliers have planned ahead. They have supported their staff in obtaining their licence and are on schedule to meet an increased demand for licensed guards. However, with just a few months to go before the deadline, less than 75 per cent of security guards still have not got their licence. Organisations would be wise to liaise with their security provider to ensure that they are on track with licensing and will be in a position to maintain continuity of service.
It is in everybody's interest that security services are bought "up to a quality", rather than "down to a price". Licensing offers the most effective means to deliver consistently high standards of quality and service. To ensure continuity in your security service you should talk to your private security supplier to make sure they are ready and can meet the demand.

For more information visit www.the-sia.org.uk

i The Approved Contractor Scheme is subject to consultation and ministerial approval via a Regulatory Impact Assessment which considers 4 broad options