What is the SIA and Why Is It Important?
What is the SIA? The Security Industry Authority (SIA) is the government body that regulates the private security industry in the United Kingdom. Created in 2003, the SIA helps to maintain standards within the sector and ensure that those that are providing security services are properly qualified, vetted, and licenced.
In this blog, we’ll take a closer look at what the SIA does, the standards it enforces, why the SIA is significant for both organisations and the public and its relevance to the BS7858 background check in the UK.
What is the SIA (Security Industry Authority)?
The SIA is an independent body that reports directly to the Home Office. The SIA has a mandate to regulate and monitor the private security industry across the UK, with two primary objectives:
- To ensure that individuals working in the security industry meet rigorous standards of competence and integrity
- That public safety is maintained
To meet their objectives, the SIA operates a licencing system that requires individuals to hold an SIA licence in order to work in specific security roles.
Often, those asking the question ‘what is the SIA?’, are those applying for roles in the security sector – like security guards, door supervisors, CCTV operators, and close protection personnel – and may be discovering the SIA for the first time. As well as individuals, the SIA also runs an Approved Contractor Scheme (ACS) for companies which evaluates and accredits those that meet their robust standards of service and professionalism.
Why is the SIA Important?
Alongside the question, ‘what is the SIA?’, querying why the SIA is important is also key. The SIA sets and enforces standards to help ensure only qualified, trustworthy individuals can work in sensitive positions within the security industry. As an organisation, it aims to protect the general public from individuals that may be unqualified and potentially dangerous working in positions within security. The SIA also seeks to elevate standards across the security sector.
What is the SIA responsible for?
Public Safety and Confidence
The SIA’s strict licencing process is key to ensuring public safety. To obtain an SIA Licence individuals must undergo training in a process aimed at protecting the public from the risk of security breaches or misconduct. This training includes a Criminal Record check.
Applicants must also undergo a background employment check called BS7858:2019. BS7858 vetting is a British Standard that includes identity verification and SIA Licence validity.
In cases where an SIA Licence is NOT held, a Criminal Record check will be run.
Individuals also undergo training in a process aimed at protecting the public from the risk of security breaches or misconduct.
Enhances Professional Standards
The SIA works to create a more professional and trusted security industry, through training and conduct standards and improves the reputation of the private security industry.
Legal and Regulatory Compliance
It is a legal requirement for certain security roles to hold a valid SIA licence. Employers who hire unlicensed security staff risk legal action, fines, and potentially losing their ability to operate. By adhering to SIA regulations, companies protect themselves from these legal issues and demonstrate their commitment to safety and professionalism.
BS7858 Checks and the SIA
Companies within the private security industry must conduct BS7858 checks as an essential element of the recruitment process. BS7858, the British Standard that lays out specific guidelines for vetting individuals in security roles, is often seen as the “gold standard” for employment background checks in the security sector.
BS7858 screening involves verifying an applicant’s background over the last five years, depending on the position and sensitivity of the role. The check includes employment history, address history, Criminal Record check, and character references. Although BS7858 screening is not directly managed by the SIA, it supports the SIA’s licensing requirements by ensuring a high standard of personnel vetting.
A BS7858 check is different to a BPSS check.
Managing SIA Compliance
At Checkback International, we work with security companies to deliver BS7858 background checks, streamlining the complex BS7858 vetting process for HR departments and organisations.
With over two decades of employee background checks experience, we act as your screening team with our process designed to meet your screening needs.
Using our screening dashboard, you will be able to monitor your BS7858security clearance throughout the screening process.
If you have any questions or queries about a background check or an individual, you can talk to our BS7858 security screening expert.
At Checkback, we will support you through a streamlined, expert and professional process with:
- Efficient Processing: Our well-defined process accelerates background checks, allowing companies to bring new hires on board more quickly.
- Compliance Assurance: We stay up to date with SIA and BS7858 standards, reducing the risk of non-compliance to ensure your organisation adheres to all regulations.
- Data Security and Privacy: We handle personal data responsibly, with our secure systems that protect candidates’ data, ensuring GDPR compliance.
By partnering with our BS7858 screening team, specialising in SIA-compliant checks, you will be able to focus on core operations while trusting us to ensure that your security employees meet the legal and professional standards required to operate in security roles.
SIA, BS7858 and HR Compliance
The SIA is the cornerstone of the UK’s private security sector, safeguarding the public by regulating who can work in sensitive and potentially risky roles. Its licencing requirements and standards have transformed the security industry, creating a more professional, trustworthy, and legally compliant workforce. Background employment checks, such as the BS7858, seek to ensure that all security personnel are reliable, competent, and trustworthy.
For HR teams and security firms, the importance of SIA compliance cannot be underestimated. Whether you’re hiring new security staff or conducting ongoing vetting, aligning with SIA standards through licensing, BS7858 screening, and background-checking services like Checkback is essential for maintaining a safe, professional environment and protecting both your organisation and the public.
Investing in compliance and thorough vetting processes reflects your commitment to high standards in security, fostering trust among clients and creating a safer, more secure community.
