Security Industry Authority UK - Experts & Thought Leaders

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 the very heart of its care provision services. It uses the latest camera and audio technology, alongside the latest secure cloud-based video storage services, with a team of health and social care professionals reviewing and assessing around the clock. Social care environments Because of this diligence in monitoring, high levels of independent scrutiny can be guaranteed. The result is that through this transparency, reassurance is available for residents and their families, knowing that vulnerable adults and children are better safeguarded and protected. In all cases, system use is with the prior consent of residents and relatives or next of kin only. Care Protect was established to help address public concerns over incidents of poor care or malpractice Care Protect’s independent monitors are very well qualified, with years of relevant health and social care experience, together with all necessary Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) checks and Security Industry Authority (SIA) licencing. Collectively they offer a high level of sector knowledge and expertise essential to assist and advise those with responsibility for safeguarding and quality and clinical governance. One of the key reasons that Care Protect was established to help address public concerns over incidents of poor care or malpractice in health and social care environments, some of which have seen wide media coverage. Private healthcare provider As a result, sound and motion detection alarms and infrared filming is utilised so immediate alerts can be raised if an incident is seen or heard or there is a connectivity or maintenance issue. Video recordings also include the use of privacy settings to block any agreed zones or areas of view as required. With video footage playing such a crucial role in Care Protect’s service, it is of pivotal importance that the system in place to manage the viewing of that video is stable, reliable and effective. One of Care Protect’s clients is a large private healthcare provider, for which Care Protect monitors bedrooms and communal areas of child and adult wards in hospitals nationwide throughout England. Care Protect also monitors elderly care homes for several different providers. Offsite video storage Care Protect also monitors elderly care homes for several different providers Care Protect’s IT & Systems Director, Andy Johnson, said Care Protect Directors have a background in the care industry, which has informed the monitoring system the company utilises. “We’ve developed a system based on the reviewing of recorded footage by social workers and nurses to advise, initially, on the quality of practice,” Johnson explains. “The contract with the large private healthcare company saw our operation change to caring for patients who pose a high risk to themselves for self-harm. Because of the importance of this monitoring in ensuring the patients’ wellbeing, it was critical that we were able to efficiently manage that video, both in terms of live monitoring and offsite video storage.” Cloud video storage The new focus required an upscaling of Care Protect’s operational office in Belfast (the company’s head office is in Yarm, Cleveland). A key element of this upscaling was the use of Hikvision’s HikCentral video management software, which needed to be able to deliver high quality images to a Samsung multi-screen video wall for real-time monitoring. Resident and patient rights to privacy remain at the core of Care Protect’s operations Video management via HikCentral at Belfast is critical, as is the offsite cloud video storage provided by Manything Pro, as Care Protect is careful to ensure there is no local recording of video onsite at the customer’s facilities so that it cannot be tampered with. Resident and patient rights to privacy remain at the core of Care Protect’s operations, and they ensure they comply with and exceed all relevant legislation and guidelines, including the Data Privacy Act and Surveillance Camera Code of Practice. Intelligent surveillance platform HikCentral is a comprehensive, intelligent surveillance platform. The newly improved HikCentral delivers data and intelligence via a pre-installed VMS on standard, off-the-shelf servers, and contains advanced functions including advanced live view and playback, thermal imaging, queue detection, low bandwidth adaptability, video linkage with access control, enhanced alarm management and smart wall operation – as in use at Care Protect. HikCentral manages the cameras, the smart wall monitors, and the video decoders that drive the images to the multiple screens in the Belfast hub. These screens cover 21 separate hospital sites for Care Protect’s private health provider customer. “One of the key features of HikCentral for us was the new smart wall functionality,” Johnson says, “Allowing us to manage multiple screens from the one place, rather than having software to run an application to then put it on the screens.” Network mini domes We use Smart Maps within HikCentral for interactive floor plans for the hospitals we monitor" Care Protect also makes good use of HikCentral’s Smart Maps function. “We use Smart Maps within HikCentral for interactive floor plans for the hospitals we monitor,” Johnson explains. “We have a selection of the communal cameras live on the maps, and our reviewers can click into the relevant area and get an overview without having to further interrogate those floor plans.” The appeal of this VMS, he says, was down to both the newly mature and advanced functions of the latest version of HikCentral, as well as its very competitive pricing compared to its rivals. Care Protect uses 500 HikCentral licences and a variety of Hikvision cameras are deployed across the customer’s facilities, predominantly unobtrusive 4MP and 6MP high resolution network mini domes. Hikvision Smart functionality on those cameras also proves extremely useful, Johnson says. Smart camera functions “The use of Hikvision Smart events on the cameras helps our reviewers to know how many people are in a room or a designated zone at a particular time,” he says. “These sorts of Smart features can greatly assist our reviewers, allowing us to be more efficient and effective in responding to the needs of patients.” Those in-built Smart camera functions are complemented by the use of audio analytics Those in-built Smart camera functions are complemented by the use of audio analytics. In some cases this audio software is used to trigger cameras so that potential incidents can be automatically viewed and assessed by a Care Protect reviewer. The results of utilising this technology, according to Johnson, have been highly successful. “We have been able to upscale our operation to 27 screens, to accommodate 21 hospital sites for our biggest customer, to great satisfaction from their end as it is safeguarding the vulnerable patients that they care for,” he says. Poor network conditions In addition to monitoring the live streams for certain hospitals, Care Protect’s independent monitors are tasked with reviewing all recorded video to ensure that the quality of care provided meets the required standards. For this they utilise the services of Hikvision cloud video technology partner, Manything Pro. Care Protect have almost 3,000 cameras recording video to the Manything Pro platform. All video is stored offsite in the secure Manything Pro cloud and can be accessed via the Manything Pro app and website. Manything Pro software runs on Hikvision cameras and is constantly monitoring the bandwidth conditions on each site. If necessary, the software will dynamically adjust the video bit rate to ensure recorded events are sent to the cloud even in poor network conditions. “We use Manything Pro for our cloud storage, so any recorded footage goes up to them, and we review through their website,” he says. “Some providers that we work with aren’t part of the live streaming through HikCentral in our Belfast monitoring centre. For these sites we also use the Manything Pro app and website to view the camera live streams.”

The S12 Security Guarding Industry Leadership Group has announced the appointment of Paul Fullwood as its Chief of Staff, marking a significant step forward in the group’s mission to strengthen industry collaboration, shape policy, elevate standards and enhance public safety. The appointment follows the formation period for the S12, including the completion of an industry-wide consultation survey, the establishment of 15 distinct workstreams, and the opening of registrations for stakeholders to join working groups focused on tackling the sector’s most pressing challenges. Prior roles of Paul   Paul joins the S12 after an exemplary 37-year career in public service, spanning the HM Armed Forces, the UK Police Service, and most recently, the Security Industry Authority (SIA), where he served as Executive Director for Inspection and Enforcement. In his new role, Paul will serve as the central coordination lead for the S12, providing strategic, operational, and administrative support to the Chair, Deputy, S12 members and key stakeholders. As Chief of Staff, he will oversee the workstream activities, stakeholder engagement, and ensure effective communication across government departments, regulators, and industry leaders. Shaping the future of the industry Reflecting on the appointment, S12 Chair Paul Evans said: “Paul’s experience, integrity, and deep understanding of the UK’s security landscape make him uniquely positioned to help drive forward the S12’s ambitions. He is very well regarded and known across all areas of the industry, and this will be vital in ensuring the role achieves its required objectives.” Echoing the Chair’s remarks, S12 Deputy Chair Peter Harrison said: “His leadership will ensure the group remains focused, transparent, and effective as we continue shaping the future of the industry together.” Paul’s distinguished background Paul’s distinguished background includes serving as Assistant Chief Constable (Specialist Policing Services) for the tri-party Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire and Hertfordshire constabularies, where he led major crime, counter terrorism, armed policing, public order, and emergency response functions. During his tenure, he was also the National Policing Chiefs’ Council (NPCC) lead for complex and sensitive crime investigations, advising senior law enforcement leaders and overseeing nationally significant cases. Paul's national operations and initiatives At the SIA, Paul spearheaded major national operations and initiatives including Operation Empower (labour exploitation) and Operation Benchmark (training malpractice) while advising the Home Office on regulatory and safeguarding policy, mandatory business licencing, and Martyn’s Law. Speaking on his appointment, Paul Fullwood said: “I’m honoured to join the S12 as Chief of Staff at such a transformative moment for the private security industry. With collaboration and inclusion at the heart of our mission, I look forward to supporting our members and partners as we drive meaningful change, elevate standards, and strengthen public safety across the UK.” Paul's key role in ensuring effective communication As Chief of Staff, Paul will play a key role in ensuring effective communication, consistency, transparency and accountability across all S12 initiatives. His central involvement will ensure strategic objectives progress into tangible and measurable outcomes. The S12 continues to invite industry professionals, organisations, and stakeholders to join established working groups and help address the industry challenges that matter most to them. These working groups will drive critical engagements with the Security Minister, the Home Office, and the SIA throughout 2026.

The newly formed Security Guarding Leadership Group (S12) met with Security Minister - Dan Jarvis MBE for the first time at the International Security Expo, Olympia London, and announced Paul Evans (CEO, Carlisle Security) and Peter Harrison (FGH Security) as Chair and Deputy Chair of the Group, which brings together a diverse team of elected leaders from across the security industry.  The Group will regularly engage directly with the Minister, Homeland Security and the Security Industry Authority (SIA), offering a voice and insight from all areas of the industry. Its mission is to raise industry standards, help shape policy, accelerate the implementation of critical legislation and ensure that a diverse range of voices are heard to inform future decisions. Implementation of critical legislation Members range from the largest national providers to small and medium independent firms plus representation from industry trade associations. Each member is a senior security executive and will serve a minimum two-year term within the Group, meeting at least once a month. Each S12 member will lead on at least one industry initiative and seek to create enlarged sub-working groups from the widest possible reach into the industry. Transparent records of their objectives and actions will be found on the newly created website. Highest professional standards The S12 will meet with the Security Minister and engage with the SIA on a regular basis The S12 will meet with the Security Minister and engage with the SIA on a regular basis to drive the highest professional standards, drawing on industry wide data, and insights from trade associations, as well as supporting with the establishment of the Security Skills Academy. During his speech at the International Security Expo, Security Minister, Dan Jarvis, said: “I am very pleased to announce the formation of the S12, a new industry-led initiative to bring together various parts of the private security industry to be able to speak to Government with one voice.” He adds, “Earlier this morning we had a good and constructive meeting with the elected leaders who make up the S12. I was able to listen to what they had to say about how we can organise to improve standards within the security industry. I am keen for the government and for the SIA to work closely with them.” Enhancing public protection Paul Evans, Chair, Security Guarding Leadership Group (S12), said: “This Group has been built on the principles of inclusive representation, accountability and action. We recognise this is a critical time for our industry and the sense of collaboration has never felt stronger. However, we also face rising threat levels and there are still unfortunately reports of malpractice and shortcuts being taken which simply will not stand up against new legislation.” He adds, “A core part of our mission is to equip security professionals with tools and training that reflect the changing landscape and to improve standards that will further enhance public protection. With the support of the Security Minister, we look forward to making a lasting difference and making the country a safer place for all.”

The terrorism threat in the UK is very real. In fact, since July 2019, the threat level has never dropped lower than “substantial” or “severe.” To ensure preparedness across public places and events, the UK government has introduced the new Terrorism (Protection of Premises) Act 2025, more commonly known as Martyn’s Law in memory of Martyn Hett, a victim of the 2017 Manchester Arena bombing. Overarching aim The new legislation requires operators of public spaces and events to immediately assess and improve their readiness to respond to a terrorist attack. The overarching aim: being better prepared, protected and ready to respond should an attack occur.  Everything from busy shopping centres to large stadiums must comply with Martyn’s Law by April 2027, and the Security Industry Authority (SIA) is charged with enforcing the rules. Upgraded security systems The smaller venues and events are only required to enforce low-cost solutions with no physical measures There are different rules depending on the capacity of public premises or the event, ranging from a standard-duty premises (200 – 799 people, including staff) to an enhanced-duty premise (over 800). The smaller venues and events are only required to implement low-cost solutions with no physical measures. Enhanced environments, however, must provide monitoring in and around the facility and document public protection measures. Many organisations will likely invest in upgraded security systems. However, effective responses depend not only on hardware but also on situational awareness and training, helping staff identify potential threats and respond effectively under pressure. Physical security information management systems Terror-related attacks are rare and unpredictable, and the most experienced personnel are not always on shift when something does occur. Even if they are, the most seasoned security professionals can’t ensure every decision they make is the right one. One solution gaining attention is physical security information management (PSIM) systems, which integrate siloed security tools — such as CCTV, access control and fire sensors — into a unified platform. PSIMs enable rapid information processing, automated workflows and coordinated responses to incidents, whether routine or critical. Use PSIMs to handle emergencies PSIM systems have been around for many years and have been embraced by large airports and mass transit organisations PSIM systems have been around for many years and have been embraced by large airports, mass transit organisations and critical infrastructure companies. However, these systems are ideally suited to any larger scale environment, such as those classified as an enhanced-duty premise by Martyn’s Law. For example, airports use PSIMs to handle emergencies, locate missing persons or assess potential threats like unattended luggage. Similarly, PSIMs can improve situational awareness for stadiums, shopping centres and event venues, aiding crowd management, emergency evacuations and collaboration with police or emergency services. External stakeholder intervention Should an incident require external stakeholder intervention, the PSIM becomes a mission-critical collaboration tool, enabling real-time information (including video footage) to be shared with decision-makers, emergency control rooms and first responders en route to the scene. This ensures they arrive with the appropriate resources and can deploy faster to the right places. PSIM systems also facilitate post-incident analysis, helping organisations improve protocols, demonstrate compliance and fulfil their duty of care. Impacted by terror-related tragedies Martyn’s Law aims to eliminate the complacent mindset of “it won’t happen here” when assessing the risks associated with public gatherings. Communities impacted by terror-related tragedies serve as a stark reminder that such incidents can and do occur. Within the security sector, it is crucial to promote discussions on how new approaches, technologies, and training can enhance preparedness. Equally important is the responsibility to raise awareness about Martyn’s Law and its role in fostering safer public spaces.

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 of conduct by taking part in a survey. The consultation will end on 23 February.   “The ethos of the code of conduct is that it will improve standards and public safety by setting out the standards of conduct and behaviour we expect people to uphold if they are entrusted with protecting the public, premises and property,” says Ian Todd, Chief Executive, Security Industry Authority (SIA). Security's Code of Conduct A code of conduct sets out what standards of behaviour professionals have to meet in order to work in the profession In security as in many professions, a code of conduct sets out what standards of behaviour professionals have to meet in order to work in the profession. SIA is suggesting Six Commitments of behaviour that will apply to all licensed security operatives and to applicants. If the code of conduct is sanctioned by the U.K. Home Office, it would become mandatory and incorporated into SIA’s licensing criteria Get Licensed. A commitment to certain standards of behaviour is fundamental to what it means to be fit and proper, and to being part of a profession. The six commitments are: Act with honesty and integrity Be trustworthy Protect the people and property you are entrusted to protect Be professional at work Act with fairness and impartiality at work Be accountable for your decisions and actions “We will review the comments from the consultation once it concludes on 23 February, analyse the results and publish a report on our findings,” says Todd. “The SIA will then use the comments it has received to write a final version of the code of conduct. The introduction of a code of conduct will be subject to final approval by Home Office Ministers.” SIA’s current Standards of Behaviour provide guidance on professional behaviour but are not mandatory. The draft code of conduct builds on the Standards of Behaviour. Upholding SIA's Standards The SIA’s Partnership and Interventions team is the unit that enforces the Private Security Industry Act “The majority of licence holders uphold the standards of behaviour that the SIA, their employers and the public expect of them,” says Todd. “Their professionalism and dedication keep the public safe and tackle crime. However, there are incidents in which some licence holders do not behave in this way. This minority lower the standard of service the public receives, harm public safety, and bring themselves and the rest of the private security industry into disrepute.” The SIA’s Partnership and Interventions team is the unit that enforces the Private Security Industry Act. It is likely that they will be required to enforce the code of conduct should it become mandatory. The draft code of conduct is currently out for consultation and the proposal has been shared widely to licence holders, private security businesses, and enforcement partners encouraging them all to take part. “Once the consultation has concluded, we will analyse the findings from the feedback, produce a report and publish it on our website and share this widely via social media,” says Todd.

A BBC report Monday alleges instances when Security Industry Authority (SIA) licences were fraudulently obtained, prompting questions about licencing processes and whether unqualified candidates are being "fast-tracked" and provided SIA cards without taking the required hours of training and passing exams. Following is a statement provided to SourceSecurity.com by Robert Buxton, head of communications, Security Industry Authority, about the matter: SIA assures investigation over alleged training malpractice We take allegations of training malpractice seriously. When the BBC shares the information it holds on training malpractice, we will investigate, and where training malpractice is proved, we will take action against the licensed individuals concerned in order to protect public safety. We will also pass the information to the qualification authorities and the relevant enforcement partners for them to investigate the training malpractice allegations. "When the BBC shares the information it holds on training malpractice, we will investigate, and where training malpractice is proved, we will take action against the licensed individuals concerned in order to protect public safety", says Robert Buxton, head of communications, SIA Qualifications are awarded by nationally recognised awarding organisations under the oversight of Ofqual in England and Northern Ireland, and are not, in law, the direct responsibility of the SIA. Nevertheless, we monitor all allegations we receive of training malpractice and pursue these through the responsible awarding organisations and Ofqual. Security qualifications malpractice In the last three years over 343,000 security qualifications have been awarded. In that time, 188 allegations of malpractice were investigated by awarding organisations, leading to the closure of 28 training centres. In the same period, 1,800 security qualifications were withdrawn, leading to action against over 1,100 licence holders (those who used their fraudulent qualification to gain an SIA licence). Compliance with the Private Security Industry Act 2001 continues to be high. Overall compliance with the law for 2013/14 is 98%. The figure is based on 569 SIA / joint SIA-partner checks, spread geographically across the UK and all regulated sectors. (The British Security Industry Association's Training Providers Section has also responded to the BBC report.)