How do I check that a security officer holds a valid SIA licence?
Short answer
- Work out which licence the post needs. A security guard licence covers guarding premises or property. Public space surveillance (CCTV) and door supervision need their own.
- Ask to see the photocard. Compare the name, photo and licence type with the person and the post.
- Search the SIA register of licence holders by the 16-digit licence number, or by surname and other personal details.
- Record the date of the check and the expiry date. Diarise the renewal, because licences do not renew automatically.
- 4guards stores the licence number and an optional expiry date that you type in. It queries no register.
What the law says
- GOV.UK: you must check that someone has the correct security licence before hiring them for private security work. The register is searched by 16-digit licence number, or by surname and other details such as date of birth and role.
- Private Security Industry Act 2001, section 5: providing security services through an unlicensed individual is an offence. It is a defence to show you took all reasonable steps to prevent unlicensed licensable conduct.
- A security guard licence is for guarding premises or property against damage, theft, unauthorised access or disorderly behaviour. It does not cover using CCTV to guard premises against disorder or damage, or people against assault. Most front line licences are photocards worn when working.
- A licence lasts three years (section 8(8)). It does not renew automatically. The holder can apply to renew 4 months before expiry. An expired licence cannot be renewed.
- Applicants must be 18 or over. For security guarding they need a licence-linked qualification before they can apply.
- Breaking licence conditions is an offence (section 9(4)). The SIA can revoke or suspend a licence.
- Section 4(4): a person with a pending application may work only if the employer is a registered approved contractor and the SIA has authorised it.
Official sources consulted on :
- Check security staff have a licence to work, GOV.UK
- Find out if you need an SIA licence, GOV.UK (Security Industry Authority)
- Apply for an SIA licence, GOV.UK (Security Industry Authority)
- Renew your SIA licence, GOV.UK (Security Industry Authority)
- Learn how we enforce SIA regulation, GOV.UK (Security Industry Authority)
- Private Security Industry Act 2001, section 4 – Exemptions from licensing requirement, legislation.gov.uk
- Private Security Industry Act 2001, section 5 – Offence of using unlicensed security operative, legislation.gov.uk
- Private Security Industry Act 2001, section 8 – Licences to engage in licensable conduct, legislation.gov.uk
- Private Security Industry Act 2001, section 9 – Licence conditions, legislation.gov.uk
Practical examples
- A new officer shows a photocard. You search the register by the 16-digit number, confirm the licence is for security guarding, and store the number and expiry in 4guards.
- An officer is rostered to watch public-space CCTV in a shopping centre. A security guard licence is not enough. The post needs a public space surveillance (CCTV) licence.
- A licence ends in June. Set the expiry window to cover 4 months, so the list flags the officer when renewal can start.
Common mistakes
- Accepting a photocard without searching the register.
- Assuming one licence covers every security role.
- Assuming a licence renews itself.
- Reading the date typed in 4guards as proof that the licence is valid. It is only your own reminder.
How 4guards helps
- On the officer's profile you type the licence number and, optionally, an expiry date. A list shows active officers whose date has passed or falls inside the window you set.
- 4guards does not query the SIA register or check that a licence is genuine. It does not know whether the SIA has suspended or revoked it.
- Choose the date deliberately. From the Plus plan, if the rest-hours check is active and blocking is on, a passed date can block saving a shift. Enter a date only if you want that effect.
- The check itself stays on the SIA register. Keep your own record of it.