Enhanced Learning Credit initiative

Get-Licensed is UK's largest Security Training providers offerng SIA Licence linked qualifications. We are proud to be associated with the Enhanced Learning Credit initiative which is funding made available by the Ministry of Defence for ex-service personnel looking to re-establish their careers as part of the MOD’s resettlement program. Up to £2,000 is available a year under this scheme with a 20% contribution from each individual. The funds are only awarded to accredited Level 3 (or above) training programs and the courses must be studied through an ELCAS official training pro ...

Yet another brilliant initiative from Get-Licensed

Look and feel like a pro!     Providing the most sought after training in the UK is synonymous with Get-Licensed, but never let it be said that they rest on their laurels. Now all Get-Licensed highly skilled candidates have the opportunity to up their professionalism and dedication to their new found careers with access to the best security industry equipment on the market-place! Get-Licensed have teamed up with PatrolStore, so now as well as receiving the best training candidates can kit themselves out with all the industry approved gear they need. The unique selection of pr ...

PRESS RELEASE - Change is an inevitable part of success

Anyone who is in business will know that concentrated development is unavoidable, and only two weeks into the New Year Get Licensed already have some exciting news to share with you. We’d like you all to join us in welcoming David Lochrie as a new director of Get Licensed. David’s experience, as a former Management Consultant advising household names like Marks and Spencer, NHS, Department of Health, BAA (Terminal 5 Project) and many other stellar clients will, we know, add enormously to our growing reputation. The Security Industry has seen some remarkable and very positive ...

Protecting the Unexpected in 2012

We live in extraordinary times, bizarre in that I’ve learned that there’s a lot more to SIA Training than you might think. I say this feeling slightly baffled after reading a report by the Daily Telegraph that the owners of metal sculptures, both private and public, have been advised by their insurers to re-think security measures after a spate of thefts by works of established artists from public places. Picture if you can this scene in South London’s Dulwich Park. A seven foot-high metal sculpture by the artist Dame Barbara Hepworth valued at £500,000 was stolen fr ...

Security Training 2012

There’s great news for anyone who’s intending to re-train in the New Year. With reduced charges implemented to obtain your SIA License there’s never been a better time to include a new career in your plans for 2012. The SIA Chairman Ruth Henig highlighted the plans in a recent statement; "We are very aware of the challenges faced by both businesses and licensed individuals in this difficult climate. We have held current fee levels for four years, and I am very pleased to now announce these reductions in the licence fees. We are committed to driving down costs in the new ...

Coping with Excited Delirium

We thought, given the time of year, it would be a good idea to deal with this subject, but don’t misunderstand the title of this article, it’s not about what you might find under the tree on Christmas day, it’s far more serious than that and is a condition that SIA Licensed staff, whilst extremely rare, unfortunately have to deal with occasionally. Firstly let’s clarify what the condition should not be confused with. It would be fair to say that anyone attending a music venue, especially young fans of the likes of Justin Bieber, may well show signs of what could easi ...

Laws of Reasonable Force

Understandably there are times when members of the public feel it’s their right to defend themselves from violent attack; however in these tense situations it’s unlikely that anyone will sit down and calmly consider the options before they respond in defence of someone else’s actions. With regard to domestic situations, The Director of Public Prosecutions is quite clear on the subject, saying that ‘as long as a householder acts instinctively, in the honest belief that they need to act in order to protect themselves almost any level of violence can be used’. Alt ...

Avoid Jobs Market Squeeze

According to recent predictions, the jobs market is facing yet more problems as companies scale back their recruitment plans for 2012 and, according to the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD), the situation will worsen for the rest of the year. However these forecasts are based on a survey carried out by the CIPD of only 1,000 employers who claim the unemployment situation will worsen for the coming year, which is a tiny proportion of UK companies and does therefore slightly distort the outcome. Gerwyn Davies, Public Policy Adviser at the CIPD said, ‘Many firms app ...

SIA Training Mediation Techniques

Just like families have their disagreements the workplace is fraught with personality clashes and conflicts, unfortunately they’re inevitable; after all you do spend a lot of your time with your team mates – almost as much as you do with your family and friends in fact. It might interest you to know, according to a recent survey, that managers spend almost a quarter of their time resolving clashes and this time has become as equally important to management teams as planning, motivation or decision making. The main causes of workplace disputes were identified in the survey as mis ...

PTLLS Training via Virtual Live Classroom

The Get Licensed team are really excited to be the only training provider in the UK who will be offering remote training programs and e-learning initiatives for PTLLS. Firstly let’s analyse exactly what PTLLS is all about and exactly what it means. PTLLS stands for Preparing to Teach in the Life Long Learning Sector which relates to teaching in what’s known as ‘post compulsory’ education. In simple terms this means any instruction or learning beyond the obligatory time at school, so basically the PTLLS qualification is not a relevant qualification for teaching school ...

Security Jobs: How to sell yourself to Employers

Anyone who has applied for a security job recently will know that the competition is stiff. Although your SIA Licence is the best qualification you can have to work in the security industry, selling yourself to a complete stranger can be a daunting prospect. It’s not just about having ‘the gift of the gab’ either, over enthusiasm doesn’t necessarily work in your favour. For example, have you ever walked away from an interview thinking if only I had or hadn’t said that? It’s nothing to worry about; even the most confident high flyers are occasionally found ...

SIA - Industry Matures

Speaking for the Security Industry as a whole we are delighted by the comments made by Lynne Featherstone MP, (Parliamentary Under Secretary of State for Equalities and Criminal information), at the SIA Conference 12 October 2011. One quote in particular is high praise indeed, ‘the growing maturity and professionalism of the industry’ for which we/all should be congratulated; including those people who have trained with us and are doing excellent work in their sectors. In light of this favourable remark and our ambitious, challenging work in public protection was recognised furt ...

Train to Gain Employment

A recent poll, commissioned by the Young Enterprise charity of big employers including HSBC, Santander, KPMG and Procter & Gamble highlights concerns that potential recruits are failing to impress at even the most basic levels especially a ‘can do attitude’. When asked to clarify which important skills where lacking, one response was ‘too many to list’. Ian Smith, the Young Enterprise charity chairman said. ‘The situation is getting worse because, the Department for Education is adopting a too narrow focus on academic skills and exams’. In 2009 Sir Te ...

What is an SIA Licence Badge?

Identification badges are a familiar sight these days, the utility meter reader, doctors, nurses, bar staff, even the guy selling chamois leathers door-to-door for charity has one; everywhere you look someone has an ID card dangling around their neck like a badge of honour, but some are more important than others and the SIA badge (or licence) is high on that list. The common denominator for all these proofs of identity is security; we want to know that the person brandishing a flashlight and rummaging around under our stairs is in fact from British Gas and not someone plotting a raid on ou ...

Popular SIA Security Training Options

The three most popular training choices in the Security Industry are Door Supervisor Training, Security Guard Training and CCTV Surveillance Training, all three options are based around approximately three day intensive courses and include around four modules of around ten hours each. There are a surprising number of qualifications related to these roles; some you may not have thought were relevant. Many people assume that these particular professions are based solely on common sense and, with the exception perhaps of CCTV Training, (which requires specific instruction on the use of sensiti ...

Why Get Licensed?

If you visit a Dentist or a Doctor you’ll notice a whole string of letters after their name, whether you decide to check out these credentials is unlikely, your choice is based on mutual trust. But what about the person rummaging through your bag as a security check, are they honest and reliable, are they qualified to invade your privacy? There’s no reason why you shouldn’t ask either of these questions and whoever is taking a peak into your belongings should be able to prove they are authorised to do so and proof will be their SIA Licence, and if they don’t have this i ...

20,000 Security Guards required for 2012 Olympics

Get Licensed is doubling the number of security guard courses after the Olympic organisers have been forced to double the number of security guards to protect the games. A document obtained by the Get Licensed reveals that more than twenty thousand 20,000 guards are now needed next year - twice as many as the previous estimate. It takes the total cost for civilian security guards at venues to £432 million -nearly 15 times the £29 million figure in London's original Olympic bid. The huge increase in the number of guards required is a major concern for the org ...

All Inclusive Security Training

In the aftermath of the riots, The Ministry of Justice have released the staggering figure of 1,277 people who have so far appeared in court with over two thirds remanded in custody. Although most of the rioters and opportunistic ‘loony looters’ caught in the act on CCTV cameras are unemployed a vast majority are, or rather were employed. In a recent statement the Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg is quoted as saying that ‘convicted rioters will be met at the prison gates to ensure they then find work’, but who will employ them?   The toughest jail sentences ...

Crisis Management and Civil Enforcement

Given the size and expertise of the private security industry it’s fair to say that the government are missing a trick in defending our communities from the kind of civil unrest we have witnessed over the past few days. Without doubt there does need to be some accountability laid at the feet of private security companies – any legislation that enables private sector organisations to have the power to apprehend suspects has to be carefully monitored to avoid ‘have-a-go-hero’ interventions; these are after all dangerous situations. The facts remain bleak in that given ...

Privately Run Security To Do Police Work In Britain

As a further sign of the degradation facing UK society, a force of privately run security guards have hit the streets of Britain to pick up the slack left behind by policing cuts. The Community Safety Scheme, that was originally set up in 2002, has laid relatively dormant over the past few years. However as the MET face a 20% cut in the police budget, over 400 security personnel in London alone have been granted controversial power over regular citizens. Whereas traditional private security have no legal authority to enforce the law over any British citizen, the Government have quietl ...

Increased commitment and productivity

Unless you’ve been in blissful hibernation recently, you’ll no doubt be aware of the recent phone hacking scandal in the press. It’s a sad reflection on our society that there are individuals around who will stop at nothing to get a good story to boost the sales of their journals. However, these intrusive and inscrutable tactics do nonetheless highlight the importance of personal security which has an inevitable knock-on effect on the calibre and vigilance of the security industry workforce as a whole.   Changes in the regulations for people to work in the securit ...

Making the right choice

Career choices are tricky at the best of times, but in the current economic climate making the right decisions, which will provide satisfaction, longevity and naturally financial rewards has never been more important. The Security Industry is currently responsible for contributing a staggering £6 billion to the UK economy, with over half a million people actively employed in the safe keeping of personnel and business assets in the private sector alone, and all you need to be a part of this growth industry is your SIA Licence, a little time and the determination to succeed. Obviously t ...

What did you do at work yesterday?

Chances are the answer to that question is; ‘The same thing I did the day before and the same thing I’ll do tomorrow.’ it doesn’t take a genius to figure out that there’s a level of dissatisfaction here; or at worse boredom has set in. Any sensible person who is currently employed is likely to be grateful that they have a job and are happy to tolerate a certain amount of monotony. Fact is we all spend almost half our adult lives at work, but the reality is fulfilment in our work has long-term effects on our everyday lives, so there’s no harm in expecting ...

Recently made redundant? Read on and succeed in a new direction

It’s an unfortunate fact, but there are currently thousands of people who are finding themselves vulnerable to cost cutting exercises in companies and many of the skilled individuals singled out for redundancy; voluntary or otherwise are over forty. One of the main reasons for this somewhat ageist plan is that as you become older you inevitably become more expensive especially in relation to pension payouts on retirement, but there is a solution to the inevitable difficulty of job-searches by training for an SIA Licence. Despite having been made redundant, and your age, it doesn&rsquo ...

Future Growth and SIA Licence Training Opportunities

The halls of Parliament are awash right now with plans by the government to provide incentives for people to re-train in an attempt to get people back to work as the UK unemployment figures fall once again. This is good news for everyone and a sure sign that the word ‘recession’ might finally disappear from gloomy newspaper headlines and hopefully marks a rise of optimism. The Security Industry has never been in a better position to offer career opportunities for those who are hopeful and determined to find well paid secure jobs and with over 15,000 people are year qualifying to ...

Get Licensed now accepts Bitcoins

It's the state-of-the-art in money.  It's a new form of electronic money.  It's already become "the gold standard" of digital currency. Bitcoin is a peer-to-peer currency. Peer-to-peer means that no central authority issues new money or tracks transactions.       Created in 2009 by Satoshi Nakamoto. It is also the name of the open source software designed in order to use this currency.   Bitcoin is one of the first implementations of a concept called crypto-currency, which was first described in 1998 by Wei Dai on the cypherpunks mailing ...

Career Training and the Security Industry

There’s a vast array of training programs around that profess to offer reliable qualifications, but there are few that can claim a 99% pass rate and provide flexible in-depth scenario based courses like Get Licensed UK. Distance learning has its benefits, but there is no better structure to a course than what amounts to expert on-the-job training in small manageable classes that guarantee individual attention and first-class support. It’s these considerations that make Get Licensed UK’s programs so successful. Re-training is a proven way to increase your career expectation ...

CCTV Operator Training and the Security Industry

If you have been watching much TV Detective Drama recently you’ll no doubt be aware of the increasing references made to CCTV footage used to solve crime. Although these dramatic plots are somewhat exaggerated they nonetheless highlight the importance of this crucial and complex area of the security industry and how heavily the police rely it to resolve criminal offenses. If you find this field interesting Get Licensed provides the most comprehensive CCTV Training available throughout the UK in collaboration with the Security Industry Authority (SIA). The SIA is the body responsible f ...

Security Industry Vacancies

If you are on the lookout for a change of direction, or you’re recently out of college, if either of these applies to you and are looking for a challenging role in a rewarding career then look no further than the Security Industry. What most people look for in their jobs is variety and of course prospects for future development. The security industry is looking to fill a whole range of key roles right now that fit these criteria exactly. One sector in particular is crying out for professionals; that’s expert CCTV operators. If you’re the kind of person who enjoys workin ...

Security Industry Review

Regardless of how patriotic you might be, we Brits are experts when it comes to pulling off major events and the Royal Wedding was no exception to that rule. But, apart from a rather famous family being involved, why do you suppose the day was such a success? Answer, expert security co-ordination. As you are no doubt aware it’s hard enough having a bunch of people over for a summer barbeque, but imagine having an estimated 1.2 million people in your front garden. What’s always extraordinary at events of this scale is that okay the police are conspicuous by their uniform, but you ...

SIA Training An Alternative Perspective

Writing as part of the Security Industry it’s easy to have a positive attitude towards the benefits of what paybacks there are of working in this ever-growing and rewarding business sector, but we decided to draw on some recommendations from outsiders to find out what their views of our industry are. We were surprised with the results and here’s one view we’re sure you’ll find interesting and positive; equally as constructive as our views might be as insiders. ‘My son Mark’s a bright boy, sorry Mark man, if you’re reading this. He did well at school ...

Enjoy Being a Security Professional

Ask anyone who has a great job, or what you might think is a great job, and they are sure to tell you that whatever their investment in their role is, the personal returns are far more valuable, that’s what having a profession or a vocation to be proud of is all about; it’s called ‘job satisfaction’. There aren’t many professions around that actually give you accreditation for the effort you put in, okay there are doctors, nurses, paramedics and firemen. But think about those exceptional people in detail for a minute, they ‘re all people we rely on, hope ...

SIA Licence checks

The Security Industry Authority conducted a successful operation in London to check SIA Licence which included door supervisors, security guards, CCTV operators and close protection operatives in major boroughs includinh Kensington and Chelsea, Tower Hamlets, and Greenwich.   This operation was named Oklahoma and was conducted by SIA investigators and deployed teams to 74 security sites including: pubs, clubs, concert venues, offices, media centres, museums, department stores, supermarkets, high street and designer shops.   During this operation, 213 sia licensed security o ...

Four Training Providers Removed

Four London-based training providers can no longer provide SIA licence-linked training and 300 qualifications have been withdrawn following a wide-scale investigation into training malpractice.   After the SIA received intelligence about the centres, Operation Nevada was launched involving SIA investigators, the Metropolitan Police, awarding bodies (HABC, EDI, Edexcel), the qualifications regulator OfQual, and the UK Border Agency. One individual has been arrested by police on suspicion of fraud, and the police and the UKBA are continuing to investigate various offences.   ...

How to get an SIA Licence

There is no area of doubt in the answer to that question; it is anyone who works in the security industry. Not so long ago just about anyone could work in the industry, but in order to regulate the standards and upgrade the various professions. The Security Industry Authority (SIA) has achieved this by approving licenses to people who they regard are appropriately trained and qualified to do their job. An SIA Licence covers Security Guards, Door Supervisors, Close Protectors and CCTV operatives. Some of these tasks involve key holding, cash in transit and vehicle immobilisation or removal, ...

2012 Olympics and security jobs

For an event on the scale of the 2012 Olympics you can expect that there will be a huge security presence throughout the games and for a long time after at the stadium and the Olympic village. According to the Met Assistant Commissioner, Chris Allison; ‘spectators to the games can expect airport-style security systems in place’. No surprise then that there will be a requirement for highly trained security staff with SIA Licence approval. There are reports of cuts in the budgets of Chief Constables of up to 20% as the government plan to reign in a deficit of 11% based on national ...

SIA Licence Training - What does it mean?

First we need to take a look at what the SIA Licence is all about. SIA stands for the Security Industry Authority; this is the regulating body that since 2003 have been responsible for regulating the Security Industry reporting to the Home Secretary. The authority has two main objectives, one to oversee that high training standards are withheld within the security industry and the second of the SIA’s duties is to manage the Approved Contractor scheme. Let’s take a look at both of these responsibilities in more detail. Contrary to popular belief, jobs in the Security Industry ...

Door Supervision an insider view

There’s a lot of misunderstanding about what a door supervisor’s job is all about. The majority of people think of it in terms of the old adage of a bouncer, that’s a really basic view of what the job is all about. You’re employed by a whole range of commercial events and the most important element of the work is that everyone who’s been invited to the venue where you might be working feels comfortable. To be able to realize the outcome of the event you need to clearly understand what your role is, you can only get that appreciation from good training. You could ...

SIA Licence Training Interview

To get a good overview of SIA Licence holders, who do different jobs in the security industry, we interviewed two team members who both work at a well known hospital in Central London, to protect their anonymity we’ll call them ‘M’ and ‘R’. Both the interviewees used get-licenced.co.uk to kick start their new careers. Q. What initially drew you to SIA Licence training? M. I already worked at the hospital as a porter, but with so many cuts being made in the NHS I decided to jump the gun and look around for something a bit more secure and financially rewardi ...

Security Guards A major role in the security industry

Changes in technology have made a huge difference to the role that Security Guards play in the protection of assets, and the people who work in large organisations against attack and unwanted intruders. Expert Security Guard Training therefore plays a pivotal role in fulfilling these demanding roles supported by an industry standard SIA Licence. SIA stands for the Security Industry Authority, the body who monitor the distribution of the SIA Licence. In the past these roles were filled by ex policemen/women or former members of the armed forces, but times have changed. The SIA now works in c ...

SIA Training An important ingredient to success

Choosing the right satisfying career path is an exciting proposition, there’s no doubt that it has a knock-on effect on all your future plans. A clever switch in your original recipe for success might cook up a few ingredients you haven’t considered yet though. Here are a few tips to ensure your set of choices won’t fail now or for the future. All the best laid plans might not deliver instant results; it’s a question of development, trial and a little healthy spontaneity. We’re all aware that hard work and diligence are the backbone of success; the main aim mig ...

SIA Training testimonial from a jobseeker

Like lots of people I was made redundant recently, it was a real shock, especially because it was so unexpected. I thought I was in a secure job for life. I averaged about thirty job applications a day, but despite the fact I’ve got excellent references and good computer skills, job hunting just became really depressing. My Job Centre Plus Advisor told me about SIA training. I did a bit of research and found get – licensed .co.uk. I had no idea the security training options were so in-depth. I admit, I thought you just put on a uniform with a security badge and that was it. W ...

Put your resume right to the top of the must see pile

If someone told you that within a month you could change your financial situation from a minus to a five figure salary, how would that make you feel? Don’t stop reading because it’s true, and you are moments away from some excellent choices that will make that opening statement a reality. There are currently around 2.5 million people unemployed in the UK and with that amount of competition on the job market the benefits that SIA Licence training offer aren’t difficult to get to grips with. Sorry, but we need to look at a few negatives here. It’s a proven fact that long ...

Train the recession in your favour take your cue

There is a way to make the recession bow to submission by taking advantage of the huge amount of job vacancies available in the security industry. It’s a fact that in this growth business there’s a whole range of unique opportunities for enthusiastic people who have a desire to find rewarding careers whether they are a long-term acting role or a supporting character. Let’s take a look at CVs and what they mean to employers. There are a staggering number of people applying for jobs. For a recent post managing a well known small retail outlet in South London there were 7,50 ...

SIA Licence - A rewarding resolution for the New Year

The New Year will be with us soon and you’ll no doubt be planning to make changes for your future like, earning more money, better job satisfaction, losing weight or giving up bad habits. Signs are hopeful that there will be improvements in the job market, if you’re in the right frame of mind for change SIA Training is exactly the opportunity you are looking for. The security industry is currently the biggest growth business in the UK with hundreds of vacancies in well-paid, rewarding and secure jobs. SIA Licence linked Training will open up a whole range of exciting job prospec ...

SIA Training your job market options review

The news is full of gloomy reports about the job market, and financial recession, but here’s some good news for a change. SIA Training will give you all the advantages you need to find a fulfilling career in the security industry. This growing industry sector needs fully trained staff to fill the numerous well paid career opportunities available. What you need to take advantage of these prospects are first class qualifications, an SIA Licence is just what you need to make your application stand out. Get-Licensed is the most trusted provider of Personal Licence Training in the UK ac ...

SIA LICENCE TRAINING your key to the 2012 Olympics

Do you want to participate in the most exciting sporting event of the decade? Do you want to be part of the team rather than a spectator? Your SIA Licence could be your pass to do just that and a rewarding career move too. The Security Industry Authority (SIA) is the body responsible for regulating the security industry and its work is supported by the Home Office. As you can imagine, a high profile event like the 2012 Olympics needs a massive security infrastructure to ensure the safety of the competitors and spectators. An SIA Licence is held in high regard as proof that trainees have ach ...

SIA Licence Training - What does it mean to you?

What does security mean to you? Your immediate answer is likely to be based on emotion, one of ‘feeling’ safe. We all want to know that our families and our personal belongings are protected, but let’s analyse that same question in a wider, more physical context. With a broader perspective, the first image that springs to mind is that of a muscle – bound wall of a man standing outside a nightclub wearing a tuxedo. That’s an automatic assumption, there’s no shame in thinking on those lines, but that figure is a misconception on more than one level. Now ap ...

Letter from Chief Executive of the Security Industry Authority

Our organisation is funded by those who hold our licences and I want to ensure that you are kept properly informed on the future of the SIA. I am writing to tell you about the future of regulation for the private security industry in the United Kingdom and how you can stay in touch with what is happening. In October, the Government announced that the Security Industry Authority (SIA) would no longer be an NDPB (Non-Departmental Public Body) and there will be a phased transition to a new regulatory regime for the private security industry. What that means is the SIA will change from its curren ...

SIA Licence Training

Today each and every individual is getting conscious with the career he is choosing. If one give a closer look at the trend of the professions in current scenario, one can clearly understand the increase of the individuals in the security industry. Those days are gone, when the security industry was considered as the profession for the useless or unskilled people or the criminals. Now you can see the trained security professionals everywhere, be it the restaurants, casinos, hotels and even the government buildings and the private offices like banks and hospitals. As the crime rate has increas ...

Get Licensed - UKs fastest growing security training company

Get Licensed started offering SIA Licence linked qualifications in 2007 and since then has grown from a small training provider to become UK's largest SIA Licence training provider offering Door Supervisor, Security Guard, CCTV, Vehicle Immobilisation and other related security training such as Physical Intervention and Handcuff training.   Get Licensed was reviewed by Central Government 21 as UK's fastest growing security training provider and the largest single security training company offering SIA Licence linked qualifications.   Get Licensed has helped train over 23,000 peop ...

Door Supervisor training

One of the most important or dominant role within the security industry is the door supervision. The door supervisor is the only member of the security guard team, whom the customer will encounter at his first instance. The main aim of the door supervisor is to provide the safe, comfortable and tension free atmosphere where they work. It includes keeping the unwanted people away from the premises without causing any harm to the authentic customers who are there for just fun and to enjoy their day. This is important that no disturbance is created as it can be reflected in the relations with the ...

SIA: no change before Olympics

No significant changes to the doorstaff licensing regime will take place before the London 2012 Olympics - and the change could be completed by 2014. That's according to Bill Butler, chief executive of the Security Industry Authority, the doorstaff licensing body that is being phased out as part of the Government's cull of quangos.   An initial meeting with industry figures and stakeholders to discuss the "phased transition" to a new regulatory regime took place yesterday, the SIA said.   A framework for the future and a "delivery plan" will be developed with ...

Should I get an SIA licence?

Many underestimate the personal qualities required to make a good security officer. Often seen as an easy job that anyone can do, the reality of it is a far cry from the old perception of a night watchman. Choosing a career in the private security industry has prospects for career advancement either climbing up the management ladder, retraining to be a trainer, or a lateral move to a different division within the security industry. Since 2003, the SIA license is required for many roles within the private security sector including Door Supervisor, Close Protection or Body Guarding and General S ...

On Course for a SIA Licence in the Private security industry

A career in Private Security Industry offers many options. From the most popular, Door Supervisor role and Security Guarding, to more specific options like CCTV-public space surveillance and Close Protection Course, more commonly known as bodyguarding, many will be surprised to learn of the subjects covered in order for one to obtain a license to work in the Private Security Industry. With courses widely available throughout the UK, Get Licensed’s Door Supervisor course is by far the most popular, running regularly in more than 32 cities in the UK. Covering subjects like Standards of ...

200-plus SIA licences suspended due to alleged training malpractice

Over 200 Security Industry Authority (SIA) licences have been suspended following alleged malpractice at London-based training centre Tristar. Awarding body Edexcel has withdrawn the Level 2 BTEC Award in Door Supervision certificates issued by Tristar, and removed the operation from its list of accredited training centres. The licence holders all held door supervision qualifications from Leyton-based centre Tristar but, because their qualifications have now been withdrawn, 211 licence holders no longer meet the SIA’s licensing criteria which clearly states that a specified qualific ...

SIA Licence - A licence worth securing

With approximately 500,000 people employed in the private security business, contributing an estimated £6 billion to the UK economy, the security industry is set to grow even more with the forthcoming London Olympics and Paralympics in 2012. To cope with the rising demand, Get Licensed, a leading accredited training company in the Security Industry is increasing the number of courses it delivers across the UK and encouraging people to consider a career in the private security business to meet the demands in the industry over the next few years. Since the introduction of the Priva ...

Get Licensed presents UK tour of Ivan Doc Holiday

Get Licensed presents UK tour of Ivan "Doc" Holiday          At 51 years old, he has have worked a total of 55 nightclubs and bars over a period of 28 years.    He has a medical record of 2 bullet wounds, 4 puncture wounds, 11 major broken bones, 8 concussions and 1 poisoning.      Recognized worldwide as a leading authority in the field of Nightclub & Bar security. He is the author of the books'   The Bouncer’s Bible – The Art and Science of working the door.' & "The Cooler's Grimoire - ...

SIA introduces e-Fill online licence application service

Applicants for Security Industry Authority licences can now fill in their form online thanks to the introduction of the e-Fill service. The e-Fill service has been designed to make it easier and quicker for applicants to complete their application form, and features built-in verification to reduce the likelihood of the form being completed incorrectly and returned to the applicant. Applicants fill in the form online, then print, sign and post it manually along with the required supporting documents. Users register on the SIA Licence website and log in to use the service. If they have previo ...

Budget vs Quality - A must read

Benchmarking is the process of comparing one's business processes and performance metrics to industry bests and/or best practices from other industries. Dimensions typically measured are quality, time, and cost. Improvements from learning mean doing things better, faster, and cheaper.   At Get Licensed we are always looking to find ways to make our SIA Training courses more enjoyable, and provide learners with the best quality of training at an affordable price. We tried various things in the past four years, some were received well by learners and others were not.   Thomas Ediso ...

SIA Licence - The key to career in security

Have you been looking for a career in security? A career within the security industry, dependent upon who you talk to is either getting harder or easier to achieve. Sitting at home it is undoubted that you are hearing of security issues with greater frequency, whether it is terrorism, shoplifting, or assaults. This has led to a greater reliance upon the private security industry, but for those without the necessary SIA licence, you can be assured that you won’t be given the opportunity to take advantage of this lucrative career. With the legislative requirements now imposed on both secur ...

SIA Requirements for New Physical Intervention Module

SIA Requirements for Physical Intervention for Door Supervisors In June 2010 all new Door Supervisors that require licensing will have to undertake physical intervention training as part of their license training. The SIA scope for what is to be taught however is only a bare minimum standard – it does not compensate for nor is it a substitute for what organisations have to legally do – which is assess the foreseeable risk and provide suitable and sufficient training.   Employers are still required to comply with Health and Safety Legislation. If someone is injured, serious ...

Attend our Free Taster Courses

Get Licensed knows how important it is to you to choose the training provider who is going to give you the best training experience available. With so many training providers available the decision of which provider will provide you with your very own unique training needs becomes complex.   At Get Licensed we know this is a hard decision and to assist potential students we are offering free career open days and evenings to give you an insight into how we will assist you in kick starting your career. Get Licensed is dedicated to remaining a market leader in prov ...

Looking for a Career as a Door Supervisor?

One of the most predominant roles within the security industry is that of Door Supervisor. Door supervisors play a high profile role within the industry which places a higher onus upon them to ensure that they carry out their duties skilfully and diligently. The most important step that a Door Supervisor takes in their security career is undertaking detailed and comprehensive SIA door supervisor training so that they are equipped with the knowledge and skills necessary for their role. Success as a Door Supervisor is no longer associated with brawn, today’s Door Supervisor requires a deta ...

CPD after obtaining SIA Licence

Get Licensed provides a range of Career Development courses for those involved in the security industry to assist them not only in their daily duties but to provide them with the skills and knowledge to enter into other employment  spheres within the security industry by obtaining SIA Licence linked qualifications. Some of the other courses that we offer here at Get Licensed include: ·       SIA Licence CCTV training; (QCF) ·       SIA Licence Security Guard Training ·       S ...

Door Supervisor Licence

The professionalism and skill Door Supervisors display in undertaking their duties will essentially reflect upon the whole industry. To ensure that Door Supervisors are prepared for their role there is now a requirement that they undertake SIA training so that they can be granted their SIA Door Supervisor Licence. The SIA training for Door Supervisors allows them to gain a full appreciation of their role and how they are expected to go about their duties within the security arena.   While the duties undertaken by Door Supervisors may seem to be routine, their duties are in actual fact fa ...

SIA Training The Value of Good Training

There is no doubt that people looking to enter the security industry want to start working as a security professional as quickly as possible. Some providers of SIA training have identified this need and have prepared streamlined SIA courses which provide students with an opportunity to obtain their SIA training certificate and commence the process of applying for their SIA licence. The modern security industry however is filled with challenges for the security professional and by failing to attain a high level of skill and competence as provided in a comprehensive SIA training course, s ...

The importance of female door supervisors

Traditionally the role of a Door Supervisor has been considered to be a purely male dominated domain. Door Supervisors were employed for their brawn rather than their ability to deal diplomatically with hostile situations. The security industry has however changed direction from the earlier days which saw brawn as a deterrent to anti-social behaviour and evolved into a profession which uses skill and communication to diffuse hostile situations without the need to resort to force. Industry and sociological studies conducted into the role of women within the security industry have a greater abil ...

Door Supervisor Training Changes

Door Supervisors play an integral role within the security industry.  Due to the role that Doors Supervisors play within the industry, they are required to undertake a specific SIA training course that allows them to develop the necessary skills and abilities, which are a pre requisite in obtaining the Door Supervisors SIA license. The Door Supervisors SIA course has been carefully designed and continues to undergo close monitoring to ensure that Door Supervisors are able to undertake their duties with professionalism and diligence. The Home Office has recently identified that the respons ...

Security Providers in Licensed Premises

Security providers working in licensed premises are faced with unique challenges which affect the manner and method in which they need to undertake their security duties.  The main challenge which is faced by security providers working in licensed premises is obviously the consumption of alcohol by patrons. But it is also important for security providers to be aware of the mixed consumption of alcohol and illicit and even prescribed drugs as the combined consumption by patrons can result in their behaviour becoming unpredictable. Security providers in licensed premises need to have the sk ...

Get Licensed Achieves IIP Recognition

With a strong commitment to staff development and training, Get Licensed, has pursued its key business performance outcomes by acknowledging that it is the staff members who are the guiding force in achieving business success. This commitment coupled with the commitment of Get Licensed to provide quality SIA training services has recently resulted in Get Licensed achieving the coveted ‘Investors in People Organisation’ quality assurance mark of approval. The recognition now provided to Get Licensed for its commitment to investing in its people is a significant and remarkable step i ...

Violence and the Door Supervisor

It goes without saying that the mere fact that you are employed or thinking about being employed as a Door Supervisor increases your risks of being subjected to violence within the workplace. The key task for Door Supervisors is to minimise the risk. Historically, the answer to minimising the risk was to have Door Supervisors who were big and burley. In essence, the Door Supervisor of yesteryear was there to scare off any trouble, but times have changed since then and now the security industry has worked hard to change the public perception of those employed within in it. Today’s securit ...

Get Licensed For Quality SIA Training Services

There is no doubt that when you are looking for security industry training you are looking for the training provider who is best positioned to give you the quality training and vocational guidance that you need.  At Get Licensed we go the extra mile by ensuring that our trainers have the leading edge by providing them with ongoing professional development to make sure that they are the leaders in the security training field. This provides all of our students with the peace of mind that their trainers are highly skilled and considered to be the primary experts in the security training indu ...

Operation Raptor Ensuring Professionalism

For those working within the Security Industry without the required SIA Training or SIA licence, there has never been a better time to ensure that you take the necessary steps to obtain your SIA licence. The Security Industry Authority has recently been recognised by the Scottish Police Services Authority for their tough stance on ensuring compliance with the SIA licensing requirements. Operation Raptor in itself was the largest crackdown by the Security Industry Authority and Strathclyde Police to rid the Security Industry of unlicensed security operatives. Whil ...

Specialist Door Supervisor SIA Training

Strategy to raise standards by introducing supplementary sia training for UK door supervisors has formed part of a Home Office discussion launched last week.   The desired outcome of the new proposals is to safeguard the public by raising standards of sia training across the industry. Additional sia training will include physical intervention, first aid, special considerations when dealing with young people and awareness of the threat of terrorism.   The Security Industry Authority (SIA) has already included the supplementary training element ...

The Future of SIA Licence Training

There is no denying that the security industry is one of the fastest rising industries within the United Kingdom and elsewhere. You only need to take a walk down any street and you will undoubtedly see more security officers than you will see police officers. One of the reasons for this growth is the privatisation that has occurred within society and the responsibility that businesses and individuals have accepted that there is an important role for them in protecting the safety and security of their business, their staff, their customers and also themselves. This raises a very important iss ...

SIA Training and Development

There are many training providers who are accredited to provide you with an SIA course that is necessary for your future SIA licensing. The difficulty for people considering entering the security industry is which SIA course is best suited to their own unique needs. Vocational training providers are highly competitive and as with any business some are better at providing you with what you need in an SIA course than others. Prospective security officers will be best served finding the SIA course which has a structured training and development curriculum to ensure that not only can they obtain t ...

Theres more to having an SIA Licence than You Think

The public perception of the security industry is rising in popularity, in many aspects this comes about because of the accountability that those in the security have placed upon them through the Security Industry Authority. Accountability is good, because it brings about a professional industry that strives to meet the needs of the community. But there is still a certain element who wants to take part in the security industry without taking the necessary steps to become accredited and obtain an SIA Licence. The Security Industry Authority brought about the SIA licence to ensure that all those ...

Better Regulation Review Gives SIA Thumbs Up

The chief executive of the SIA, Bill Butler, has given a positive welcome to the findings of a review carried out by the UK regulation watchdog Better Regulation. Their review into the SIA gave a broadly positive impression of the work that the SIA are doing, finding above all that the body’s work has led to a reduction in criminality in the security industry – one of the key remits of the authority. Although the reviews findings were uniformly positive, Butler did take care to acknowledge that work remains for the SIA to do to ensure that the security industry runs as smoothly as ...

Climbing the Ladder From Door Supervisor to Manager

It is one of the recurring myths of the security industry to say that Door Supervisors, or bouncers to give them their more colloquial title, are little more than hired grunt to get rid of troublemakers in a summary and hassle-free manner. This leads to an impression that anyone, given the right physical dimensions and propensity for violence, can make a living as a bouncer. There was a time, perhaps, when this was true, but the SIA’s remit has been to ensure that the security industry, in common with the other important industries in the UK, is run along structured lines which prevent s ...

The Big Lie About Security Jobs

Whether you use the word “bouncer”, or the more up-to-date equivalents such as “Door Supervisor” or “Security Guard”, to describe someone who provides front-of-house security at a venue – particularly one where alcohol is served, but not exclusively so – the image conjured in your mind is probably not too far from the archetype – a strong, burly individual with biceps like tree trunks and possibly a shaved head. Such images are most people’s idea of the prototype security guard, and the advantages of such a look are pretty clear. Howe ...

The Importance of Good Door Supervisors

It would be fair to say that Door Supervisors get a tough time of it, from listening to people who regularly go to clubs and other venues. Given the fact that part of a Door Supervisor’s job is to deal with people who are already in something of a bad mood, though, it is always worth stopping to think just how impartial the string of insults might be. The truth of the matter is that without good doormen, many people’s nights out would be all too easily ruined. Very few people actually think to thank them at the end of a night, considering that they are often the first line of defen ...

Going Back To SIA Training School

One thing that freaks out adults more than any other is the idea of going back to school, sitting in a classroom and doing exams. We may fondly remember our school or university days for a number of reasons, but rarely do those reasons have anything to do with learning much. When it comes to going “back to school” in adult life, the most common emotion is fear – the very real fear of making an idiot out of yourself. Well, if it is any consolation, you will be in a room full of people worried about the self-same thing. However, it is not a situation where you are likely to hav ...

Where to Look for Security Jobs

Although the current financial malaise affecting the country and most of the world has left a number of industries wondering about their futures, there are more than a few which are getting on with work and even adding staff. Among these, amid a potentially troubled summer for the UK, is the security industry. As things stand, there have been a number of newspaper articles putting the nation on notice that there are plans coming from all sorts of groups the foment a summer of protest. Even viewed without the filter of media hyperbole there is a certain amount of legitimacy to the concerns abo ...

GET LICENSED achieved ISO 9001:2008 for SIA Training

GET LICENSED has successfully achieved ISO 9001:2008 accreditation, which is further evidence of our commitment to delivering SIA approved training of the highest quality, improved customer service, and our willingness to works towards excellence.    The scope of activities for which GET LICENSED satisfied the rigours of an independent, external audit includes SIA Door Supervisor Training, SIA Security Guard Training, SIA CCTV Training and other SIA Licence training.   ISO 9001:2008 is by far the world's most established quality framework and quality management systems, by a ...

Not Licensed? Get Licensed

There have been a number of incidents recently of security staff found working unlicensed in the pubs and clubs of UK cities without SIA Training and Licence. Although these incidences have proven to be largely isolated – with the two most recent in Welshpool and Aberdeen coming amid a range of organisations coming up clean in spot checks – it is important to take notice that people are still working illegally in the industry without doing the SIA Training and obtaining SIA Licence, and that there will be a number of others out there either working unlicensed, seeking work without ...

Security Work A Varied Field SIA Training

A lot of people – too many, if we are being honest – get an image in their head when told that someone works in the SIA security industry which is unflattering at best, and downright insulting at worst. The idea of a SIA trained security worker as someone with fists clenched who struggles with words of more than one syllable is a ridiculous stereotype, as anyone who has spent time in the company of a good security worker SIA Trained will happily tell you. Being good at a job within the SIA security industry requires a certain shrewdness and persuasive abilities that are not present ...

Security Work A Complicated But Rewarding Job

Before undergoing SIA Training for a job in the security industry, it is important to think long and hard about why you want to work in security. If you simply enjoy a fight and would like to get paid for demonstrating your physical strength, it is not even worth applying for the course because you will not be well suited to being a security worker. Door Supervisor Training – the element of SIA Training that will be required if you seek to work as a “bouncer” or doorman – is so much more than a course that teaches you how to “knock heads together”. It is des ...

SIA Training Gives You Options

Working in the security industry is something that is a lot less simple these days that it used to be. In as much as there was a security industry back in the day, it consisted of pubs and clubs hiring bouncers who could sort out any trouble with the strength of their physical presence. Generally, the best person to hire was someone who looked like they could handle themselves in a fight, enough so to discourage anyone from trying. If there then was a fight – and only then – the “bouncer” would do the physical part of the job. With SIA training now an indispensable part ...

Beefed Up Security In The Name Of The Global Crisis

Nobody is as interested in your career as you are! The UK economy is in the early stages of a recession. Thousands of people have been made redundant and thousands more are on the road to redundancy. Take Terry for example. He is a 37 year old ex soldier out of the army for just under three years when his dreams of self employment as courier crashed with the rising cost of diesel and the declining business opportunities in his South Wales home town. Terry has to retrain and build on his personal assets if he is to find work. Anybody who finds themselves out of work must realise that changing c ...

Testimonials

Get Licensed is UK's largest security training company, our business thrives on customer satisfaction.  Below are some testimonials from candidates who attended our training course. We continously update this section.    

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Doorman sacked for being too short

A 5ft 6in bouncer claims he has been told he can no longer work at a town centre bar because he’s too short. Experienced doorman Ian Weaver says he was sacked from working the door at new trendy nightspot Sakura for being “too small to do the job”, a claim employer Hyline Security denies. Mr Weaver, of Jubilee Square, Reading, had been doing five shifts a week at the Gun Street club until, he says, his head doorman informed him by text that a man of his ‘height’ was no longer required. He said: “When I challenged the head doorman as to the reason ...

Nottingham Security Guard Guilty of Six Offences

23 June 2008: Today at Nottingham Magistrates' Court, security guard Matthew John Kelly pleaded guilty to six offences under Section 3(1) of the Private Security Industry Act 2001 - working without an SIA licence. Kelly, 56, from Highbury Vale, Bulwell was an employee of Stealth Security Services. He was found working illegally as a security guard at the Bestwood Lodge Hotel, Bestwood Country Park, Nottingham, last autumn. John Montague, the SIA's Head of Formal Investigation said: "SIA licensing protects the public from unsuitable people working in positions of trust in the private se ...

SIA Links with Partners as Operation Lollipop Continues

18 June 2008: On Friday 13 June, investigators from the Security Industry Authority (SIA) continued their checks targeting security provision at popular family spots along Lincolnshire's East Coast. They were joined by officers from Lincolnshire Police and East Lindsey District Council. During Operation Lollipop, 19 licensed premises were visited in Skegness, Mablethorpe, Louth and Ingoldmells. 40 door supervisors were checked and 35 were SIA licensed. Four doormen were reported by the police for summons and one doorman was issued with an SIA warning. However, four individuals were issued w ...

The Security Industry Authority - the new sponsors of the Crimestoppers website

Partnered with Crimestoppers to reduce crime and promote compliance. The Security Industry Authority (SIA) has strengthened its partnership with the charity Crimestoppers by sponsoring the Crimestoppers website www.crimestoppers-uk.org. The SIA wants to encourage the private security industry and members of the public to report unlicensed activity directly to Crimestoppers, anonymously on 0800 555 111. You will not be asked for your personal details and calls cannot be traced or recorded. Michael Wilson, SIA Chief Executive said: “The SIA is fundamental ...

Reported Allegations of Training Malpractice

This is a summary of the malpractice allegations reported to awarding bodies between 1 December 2007 and 29 February 2008, as well as the resulting actions taken by the awarding bodies during the same period. This page is updated on a quarterly basis. Malpractice may include such things as: Training being delivered in less than the required hours Inappropriate support being offered to non-English speakers Inappropriate behaviour during the exam process that leads to candidates having an advantage over other candidates taking the same exam. A single training and assessmen ...

New Courses

  GET LICENSED is the UK's largest provider of Security Industry Qualifications. We offer courses at venues in London, Birmingham, Manchester, Cardiff, Leeds, Portsmouth, Bristol, Swindon, Swansea, Bradford, York, Glasgow, Belfast, Leicester, Nottingham, Newcastle, Stoke-on-Trent,  Edinburgh, Aberdeen, Dundee, Belfast, Londonderry, Norwich,as well as in house training for companies, colleges and other institutions.   Get Licensed now offers the fo ...

Bogus SIA Training Providers

PLEASE BE CAREFUL OF TRAINING PROVIDERS WHO SELL COURSES FOR £100 OR LESS       Following the documentary on BBC Panorma http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/programmes/panorama/7195775.stm   It has been reported that there are alot of bogus Training providers offering SIA training less than £100 for training courses, please be aware of them as lots of people who did training with them never got their certificates.   SPEND YOUR MONEY WISELY !!!!     Many of these were clamped down by SIA and all the examinations were ma ...