{"id":5632,"date":"2018-11-08T09:45:53","date_gmt":"2018-11-08T09:45:53","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.get-licensed.co.uk\/get-daily\/?p=5632"},"modified":"2025-05-16T13:01:51","modified_gmt":"2025-05-16T13:01:51","slug":"speed-up-your-criminal-record-check-sia-license","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.get-licensed.co.uk\/get-daily\/speed-up-your-criminal-record-check-sia-license\/","title":{"rendered":"How To Speed Up Your Criminal Record Check"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Background or criminal record checks play a crucial role in the hiring process for any employer or company, and the length of time it takes to be carried out can often depend on range of things. So, if you are looking to apply or renew an SIA licence, the SIA will need to carry out a check on you. <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

This is done by submitting what is known as a \u2018Disclosure Request\u2019 to one of the UK\u2019s three leading bodies: Disclosure Scotland, Access NI (Scotland) and the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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So, before you think of sending off your SIA application and await receipt of a shiny new badge, read these 5 helpful tips that\u2019ll speed up the process and get you working sooner!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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<\/strong>Read carefully<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The SIA may send you a request form to fill in and return. Ensure you read all the information carefully before putting pen to paper. Making a mistake could delay you!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/strong>Apply for the right form<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

If asked to submit a disclosure request through the Access NI website, make sure you ask for a standard <\/strong>disclosure. Select either a basic disclosure or an enhanced disclosure, both will be refused and asking for the wrong one will mean getting charged the fee Access NI normally charge the SIA. So, choose wisely!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/strong>Overseas applicants or non-UK residents<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

If you live overseas or have spent six continuous months outside the UK in the last 5 years, make sure you visit the Overseas Criminal Records page on the SIA website before you apply. You will need to get criminal record checks from the relevant country or countries you have lived in. This can take quite a bit of time, so make sure you visit the page before making an application<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/strong>Beware of other checks!<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

All of the above may not be enough. Be mindful that there are other checks that the SIA will consider which could land you in hot water. One of those checks will be for identity<\/strong>. If you cannot verify who you say you are, expect a firm \u2018no\u2019 from the SIA. The other is your qualification<\/strong>. You must be able to provide record it otherwise it\u2019ll be a \u2018no\u2019 again.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/strong>Don\u2019t lose faith<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

If you do possess a criminal record and feel you stand no chance of getting a licence, don\u2019t be quick to jump to conclusions. If something flags up the SIA will access the nature of the record and see whether there is a pattern of \u2018bad behaviour\u2019 and decide if you are a potential risk to the public. So, depending on circumstances there\u2019s still a chance!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

On a final note, it\u2019s worth mentioning that assessing criminality is something that isn\u2019t done by machine. An officer will thoroughly review each application received, and an average of 12,000 are received every month! Poor guy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How to work in the security sector<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

If you are interested in working in the security sector, whether it be as a Door Supervisor, Security Guard or CCTV Operative, you will need to obtain a SIA Licence<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

To obtain a SIA Licence<\/a>, you will need to complete a course. Once you have completed the course, will you then be able to apply for an SIA Licence and work in the security sector.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Looking for jobs? <\/h2>\n\n\n\n

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To find the latest security jobs, check out our Jobs Board,<\/a> which has 1,000+ jobs from the UK\u2019s best security companies. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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If you\u2019re on the hunt for a security job on the go, download the GuardPass app for all the latest jobs and more. The GuardPass App is available for download on the Apple App Store<\/a> or on the Google Play Store<\/a>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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