About the SIA

The Security Industry Authority is the organisation responsible for regulating the private security industry. They are an independent body reporting to the Home Secretary, established in 2003 under the terms of the Private Security Industry Act 2001. Their mission is to help protect society by collaboratively developing and achieving high standards within the private security industry. Our remit currently covers England, Wales and Scotland. We have two main duties. One is the compulsory licensing of individuals working in specific sectors of the private security industry; the other is to manage the Approved Contractor Scheme, which measures private security companies against a set of independently assessed criteria.

Responsibility for getting an SIA licence

You, the operative, are responsible for obtaining a SIA licence to work legally within the private security industry. You will be breaking the law if you work without a licence and your employer will be breaking the law if they use unlicensed staff. It is not your employer’s responsibility to get you licensed, but it is their responsibility to ensure that their security staff always have the right licence for the role they ask them to perform.

To learn more about SIA licensing critera click here.

Penalties for operating without a licence

For those working in a licensable security role or supplying unlicensed security staff, without an SIA licence the penalties are currently as follows;

summary conviction at a Magistrate’s Court, Sheriff Court or District Court: a maximum penalty of six months imprisonment and/or a fine of up to £5,000, or
(for supplying unlicensed staff only) trial on indictment at Crown Court, High Court of Justiciary or Sheriff and jury trial: an unlimited fine and/or up to five years imprisonment.

Interested parties should seek their own independent legal advice on this matter if they are concerned about their individual liabilities.

Who are Door Supervisors, Security Guards, CCTV Operators, Vehicle Immobilisers and Close Protection Operatives and what do they do?

Door Supervisors

Door supervisors, sometimes known as door stewards or bouncers, are responsible for the security of customers and staff in pubs, bars and nightclubs, and other licensed premises and public events. They keep order and make sure that people are safe. One of their main duties is to check the suitability of people coming into the venue. They may check that the person is not underage and that they are suitably dressed, and they may search people for harmful objects such as drugs or weapons. They may refuse entry to anyone they consider unsuitable. Their other duties may include:

managing crowds to avoid crushing and queue jumping
collecting tickets from people coming in
patrolling inside and outside the venue, watching people's behaviour and dealing with conflict
restraining and escorting people out of the venue, if necessary
dealing with emergencies
supervising people as they leave the building
co-operating with the police, first aiders and management.

Door supervisors usually work in teams of two or more, depending on the size of the venue. They may keep in contact with each other by using radio equipment.

Average Pay Rate Figures are intended as a guideline only.
Door supervisors are usually paid on an hourly basis.
Basic pay is around £7 to £12 per hour; some can earn upto £20 an hour depending extra qualifications such as First Aid, Physical Intervention etc.

Security Officers

Often, security officers are uniformed and act to protect property by maintaining a high visibility presence to deter illegal and inappropriate actions, observing (either directly, through patrols, or by watching alarm systems or video cameras) for signs of crime, fire or disorder; then taking action and reporting any incidents to their client and emergency services as appropriate. Their other duties may include:

Managing access
Patrolling
Checking identification
Deter crime
Restraining and escorting people out of the venue, if necessary
Dealing with emergencies
Supervising people as they leave the building
Co-operating with the police, first aiders and management.

Security Officers could be working for retail stores, banks, construction sites, office buildings,etc.

Average Pay Rate
Security Officers could be paid hourly or annually depending on the contract, minimum pay starts around £7 per hour and goes upto £15 per hour depening upon employer and additional qualifications.

CCTV Operatives

CCTV operators work seated in front of banks of VDU screens. They are usually expected to work in a shift system over 24 hours. A typical pattern might be to work two morning shifts, two afternoons and two nights, followed by two days off. They may work in small teams or alone and are in frequent telephone and radio contact with colleagues, security staff and police.

Average Pay Rate
CCTV operator's pay usually starts around £9 per hour, and goes upto £22 an hour depending on the employer and type of contract.

Vehicle Immobilisers - Wheel Clampers

Vehicle Immobilisers usually work in private car parks and their primary duties include prevention of illegal and dangerous parking, and enforcing parking regulations by immobilising illegally parked vehicles and demanding or collection of a charge as a condition of any such release of or for the removal of the device from a vehicle.

Average Pay Rate
Vehicle Immobilisers pay usually starts around £10 per hour, and goes upto £18 an hour depending on the employer and type of contract.

Close Protection Operatives

Close protection officers (CPOs), or bodyguards, keep clients safe from unwanted attention or physical harm. They are responsible for assessing security measures and providing discreet surveillance. Their work includes:

Protecting their clients from threats of physical violence.
Checking out premises, such as hotels, restaurants and theatres, before the client arrives.
Installing surveillance equipment.
Surveying the layout of venues, noting potential hazards and exposure to risks.
Accompanying the client on business and social trips.
Driving the client to and from venues.

Threats to clients could come from a range of sources including terrorist organisations, political opponents, stalkers or over-enthusiastic fans. Their clients may also face acute dangers, such as kidnapping attempts. CPOs are often contracted to work for people in the public eye.

Average Pay Rate
CPO's get paid from £200 per day to £500 per day depending on the type of contract and risks involved.

Information, Advice & Guidance for SIA Licence Qualifications

If you are looking to advance your career in the security industry, call Get Licensed today on 0845 838 7074 and our experienced staff will provide you with advice and guidance to help you choose the right training course.

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SIA Licence Training

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