The Security Industry Authority (SIA) has announced plans to tighten its criminal record rules and requirements for individuals applying for a private security licence in the UK. The proposed changes, currently under consultation until 20 May 2025, mark a significant step in raising professional standards and enhancing public safety across the industry.
This move follows findings from the latest SIA Enforcement Report, which highlighted the increasing importance of vetting and compliance in maintaining trust within the sector. With over 440,000 active licence holders in the UK, the SIA is aiming to ensure that only those deemed truly “fit and proper” are permitted to work in frontline roles such as door supervision, security guarding, and CCTV operation.
What’s Being Proposed?
The SIA’s new proposals focus on expanding and clarifying the types of criminal activity that may prevent someone from obtaining or renewing a security licence:
- Expanded List of Offences: Offences such as modern slavery, human trafficking, and upskirting will be added to the criteria used to assess an applicant’s criminal background.
- Stricter Consequences for Serious Crimes: Individuals with sexual offences, child abuse convictions, or custodial sentences of four years or more will face automatic licence refusal—unless they can demonstrate that they no longer pose a risk to public safety.
- Overseas Criminal Record Rules: Applicants who have lived outside the UK in the past 10 years will need to supply official criminal records from those countries. This aligns with existing UK visa rules in sectors like healthcare and education.
- Clearer ‘Fit and Proper’ Guidelines: The SIA intends to clarify what constitutes a “fit and proper” person by including considerations such as domestic violence orders, disciplinary proceedings, and professional misconduct.
These proposed updates aim to create a more consistent and transparent licensing process while deterring individuals with serious or relevant convictions from entering the security workforce.
Why Now?
According to the SIA’s licence application data, over 13,000 licences were granted in April 2025, and enforcement action increased against those operating illegally or fraudulently. This underscores the need for clearer boundaries around who should be eligible to work in the industry. The SIA’s view is that better prevention at the point of entry can help reduce the need for enforcement later.
The consultation also reflects a broader shift towards professionalisation of the private security sector—something Get Licensed strongly supports through our SIA training courses and compliance-focused resources.
Have Your Say
The consultation is open until 11:59 PM on 20 May 2025, and the SIA is encouraging all industry professionals and stakeholders to contribute feedback via the official consultation page.
What This Means for You
If you’re applying for an SIA licence—or renewing an existing one—it’s important to stay ahead of these changes. Even if your criminal history is in the past, it could still impact your eligibility.
Our guide on SIA licences and criminal record rules offers practical advice on how your background might affect your application. We also recommend reviewing your status in light of the mandatory SIA refresher training now required for renewals.
Book a security training course with Get Licensed today.
