Security Industry Authority UK News

Security Industry Authority announced the award of £72,000 from its grant for good causes fund to seven registered charities and community interest companies across the UK. This brings the total grants awarded by the SIA using cash confiscated from criminals to over £250,000. Through this fund, the UK’s private security industry regulator distributes money recovered through proceeds of crime confiscation orders. Grants are used to benefit the private security industry and impr...

On 22 February 2024, the Security Industry Authority (SIA) launched a public consultation on the key principles that will underpin its business approval scheme going forward.  The changes under consideration will signal a significant shift in the way the SIA approves businesses under this scheme. It will also change how standards are defined for security businesses, ensuring public protection is at the heart of the new scheme.  Redefining standards During the past year (20...

Family-run security firm, CDX Security Group recently landed a spot in the top three percent of UK security firms, following a successful audit from the Security Industry Authority (SIA). Selection criteria  The Approved Contractor Scheme (ACS), commissioned by the SIA, aims to protect the public and employees within the security industry through a framework that sets, improves, and monitors operating standards. Firms are marked against seven criteria and must consistently demonstrate exc...

North West-based security firm, CDX Security has announced the launch of a new division, ‘CDX Aviation’, in response to soaring demand for airport security services. The firm, which already has significant experience operating within regional airports, has launched CDX Aviation to further expand its portfolio within the aviation sector, as part of wider strategic plans and ambitions for the company. CDX Aviation The new division, CDX Aviation will assume responsibility for all ess...

SmartTask, a UK-based developer of cloud workforce management solutions, has announced that 1st Choice (1st Choice Facilities Services Limited), one of the United Kingdom’s fastest growing workplace service providers, has deployed SmartTask software, in order to automate check calls and better support staff and customers. Since introducing the technology, the Security Division at 1st Choice has released on average 40 minutes per hour during a typical night shift, improved clarity of Contr...

Biosite Security Ltd has been ranked as one of the pioneer security providers in the UK by the Security Industry Authority (SIA) after achieving Approved Contractor Status (ACS) reaccreditation.  The company is now a member of the prestigious ACS Pacesetters register, reserved for the top 15 percent of all SIA ACS accredited security companies. For more than ten years, Biosite Security Ltd has provided a dedicated security service for the construction industry across manned guarding and C...

Relentlessly innovative security sector specialist, Safer Security Group, has unveiled the next generation of site security technology, with the official launch of its Safer Pod S1. The tech disruptor’s newest product, which has already been taken up by various tier 1 contractors on sites throughout the United Kingdom (UK), is equipped with cutting edge intelligent visual verification, which captures the clearest and highest quality images yet, while it’s innovative anti-masking sen...

On Tuesday 14 June 2022, the Security Industry Authority (SIA) prosecuted a Belfast man at Laganside Magistrates’ Court for providing false information and failing to comply with the Private Security Industry Act. The case was brought by the SIA after its criminal investigation team carried out checks at Belfast’s Voodoo on Friday 2 August 2019. Tomas Tolan of Belfast pleaded guilty after previously pleading not guilty. He was given a 12-month conditional discharge and ordered...

North West-based security firm, CDX Security has announced the appointment of a new Group Sales Manager, John Welch, as part of its ambitious growth plans for the new financial year. John Welch joins the team to expand the firm’s service offering within the construction and housing sectors, following a successful 2021. Business development and sales expert An experienced business development and sales professional, John Welch has more than 20 years experience working across various sect...

As it continues to grow and make inroads into new markets, relentlessly innovative security sector specialist - Safer Security Group is further strengthening its business acquisition expertise, with the appointment of a highly experienced marketing professional. The Paisley-based tech disruptor, Safer Security Group has acquired the services of Kevin Moreland, as its new Head of Marketing, as the company pursues its strategy of building on its successful Scottish business, with a drive into the...

The popularity of electric vehicles is growing fast and there are a number of key safety considerations during assembly. G4S is working with the UK operations of a major European car manufacturer, at the forefront of best practice in protecting assembly teams, in what is a relatively new area, with its own specific safety challenges. In 2021, one in ten cars bought in the United Kingdom (UK) were electric, according to the Society of Motoring Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT), which us more than...

From September 28 and 29, 2021, the International Security Expo 2021, the world’s premier government, industry, academia and end-user security event, returned for the first time in nearly two years. International Security Expo 2021 Co-located with the newly-launched International Cyber Expo 2021, the events welcomed thousands of security professionals, from all corners of the industry, including senior representatives from Heathrow Airport, British Army, Bank of England, Tesco Stores Ltd...

Buyers who are serious about protecting the public and rooting out rogue elements in their security provision, at a time when events are restarting in earnest after over a year of lockdowns, should ask their security companies to evidence their approval to the code of practice for the ‘Provision of Labour in the Security and Events Sectors’. Mindful to maximise the benefit industry-wide and in the interest of all security providers and event organisers - and the public attending tho...

A security services provider has shown its commitment to a sustainable future by creating its own patch of woodland. Dardan Security, based in Great Shelford, near Cambridge, joins forces with eco-friendly business Make It Wild to annually offset 480 tonnes of CO2e through the planting of 131 trees at Dowgill Grange in Summerbridge, North Yorkshire. Last year staff at Dardan Security used over 150,000 litres of fuel which equated to nearly 90 percent of its carbon emissions (377 tonnes CO2e)....

When Care Protect wanted to upscale its operations in healthcare safety and monitoring services to a large private provider, it turned to Hikvision’s HikCentral video management software, in combination with offsite cloud video storage from Manything Pro. Care Protect is an innovative organisation. It was created to promote excellent, sustainable and consistent care delivery in health and social care settings. That innovation is reflected in the way the company integrates technology into...

Tavcom Training, one of the world’s pioneering provider of accredited security systems training courses and part of the Linx International Group, announced the addition of two one-day CCTV courses to its extensive online learning platform. The CCTV Control Room Refresher and CCTV Legislation courses are available now, with the option of accredited (BTEC) and non-accredited certificates, as well as CPD points available. The CCTV Control Room Refresher Course is essential for security pract...

The National Security Inspectorate (NSI) proudly sponsored the Apprentice of the Year Award at the British Security Awards 2020 which took place on 1st July. The annual event, recognising individuals and companies within the private security sector for their talent and commitment in protecting people and property, saw a significant number of NSI approved companies celebrated amongst its winners. Organised by the British Security Industry Association (BSIA), this year’s British Security Aw...

Mitie Security, one of UK’s renowned technology-led security business, has become one amongst the first business in the sector to successfully pilot virtual accredited training modules. Mitie is working in partnership with the Security Industry Authority (SIA) and Highfield Qualifications, the licence awarding body, to provide online access to the training course which is required to become a licensed security guard. Previously, candidates were required to attend on-site courses. However,...

Key topics and challenges affecting the security systems and guarding sectors were addressed at this year’s NSI-sponsored Thought Leadership Summit, held at the Royal Lancaster London. Delegates from across the industry engaged with a lively, informative and thought provoking programme, organised by the Outstanding Security Performance Awards (OSPAs). A cross-section of security industry end users, service providers, sector organisations and regulatory bodies attended the third annual UK...

The Private Security Industry Act of 2001 gives the Security Industry Authority (SIA) the function of setting standards of conduct in the United Kingdom’s private security industry. Time is winding down to provide input during the SIA’s six-week consultation on a new draft code of conduct for SIA licence holders and applicants for SIA licences. The authority is inviting the industry, licence holders, and anyone with an interest in private security to have their say on the draft code...

Magenta Security MD Abbey Petkar met with SIA Chief Executive Ian Todd and Tony Holyland (SIA Head of Quality & Standards) at Magenta HQ last month to discuss concerns about the lack of business licences in the security industry. They also considered other topics focused on making the security industry more professional and more robust in the face of unscrupulous players in the market. This included how the ACS could be made more available to 80% of the industry, which represents approximate...

Limitless Security, a provider of security solutions for the housebuilding and construction industries, has launched the VIDAR detector. This standalone, wire-free security system combines motion detection with integrated image verification to help reduce the cost of break-ins, theft and vandalism. VIDAR is a key part of Limitless Security’s new fixed cost, fully managed service which takes away the headaches and hassles involved in installing, managing and maintaining security equipment o...

A combination of uncertainty over Brexit negotiations and recent cut backs in other areas of police funding has highlighted an opportunity for the private security industry to support public services. “Brexit is putting an incredible strain on resources of all types across the UK, including the police force, who are preparing contingencies for a host of challenges ahead of March 29. When combined with the selling off of police assets and the reduction in officers on the street, it makes l...

Elizabeth France CBE, Security Industry Authority Chair, announces the appointment of Ian Todd as SIA Chief Executive. Ian succeeds Dave Humphries who has been interim CEO since the departure of former SIA CEO Alan Clamp at the end of October. Ian will join the SIA on 25 February 2019. Ian will be joining the SIA from the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) where he is currently Deputy Director General. This builds on a number of board level roles in professional regulation, including...

The Security Industry Authority's (SIA) South East Partnerships and Interventions team and Thames Valley Police will be calling at Reading's top student pubs and clubs. They will share best-practice guidance on safer physical intervention for door supervisors as a reminder of how to keep their clients and themselves safe. The aims of the event are to promote the importance of safer restraint and reduce any possible violence during the festive season. The initiative marks the Reading launch of a...

The Security Industry Authority (SIA), the government regulator of the private security industry in the UK, has formerly endorsed the Register of Chartered Security Professionals. The Register was established under Royal Charter issued to the Worshipful Company of Security Professionals in the UK.  Admission to the Register signifies the highest standards and ongoing proficiency in security practice.  Alan Clamp, Chief Executive of the SIA said: “The Register of Chartered Securi...

External assessing body CCAS carried out a combined annual assessment of Ward Security during February 2017 National security firm Ward Security has achieved its highest ever score of 171 out of 174 in an independent audit conducted on behalf of the Security Industry Authority (SIA) - the organisation responsible for regulating the private security industry in the UK as part of its Approved Contractor Score (ACS) scheme. Ward Security transitions Ward Security has also succ...

BSIA will be given the opportunity to test and comment on the findings of the SIA review before publication The British Security Industry Association (BSIA) has accepted an invitation by the Home Office to become a member of the Challenge Group that will help to steer the direction of the review of the Security Industry Authority (SIA) commencing in January 2016. Security Industry Authority review The SIA’s review was launched via a Written Ministerial Statement (W...

Baroness Henig was awarded a CBE for services to policing in 2000 The Security Institute has started 2016 by announcing a new President. Succeeding Lord Alex Carlile at the head of the organisation from the 2016 AGM in April is former Security Industry Authority Chair, Baroness Ruth Henig. Whilst at the SIA Baroness Henig was instrumental in overseeing a regulatory overhaul and the introduction of a new and modern, fit-for-purpose regulatory regime. Previous high profile role...

The changes take into account introduction of CCTV Code of Practice issued by SCC as required by Freedoms of Information Act 2012 BSI, the business standards company, revised BS 7958:2015 Closed circuit television (CCTV) – Management and operation – Code of practice. The changes take into account the introduction of the CCTV Code of Practice issued by the Surveillance Camera Commissioner (SCC) as required by the Freedoms of Information Act 2012. Closed circuit tel...