SIA begins licensing process in Northern Ireland

10 May 09

Licence applications are now being accepted by the Security Industry Authority (SIA) from individuals working in the private security industry in Northern Ireland.

By Brian Sims

Applications are also being welcomed from security suppliers wishing to apply for the Regulator’s Approved Contractor Scheme (ACS).

Andy Drane – the SIA’s acting chief executive and leader of the implementation programme – commented: “SIA regulation in Northern Ireland will ensure that standards of training and professionalism in the private security industry are the same across the whole of United Kingdom.”

Drane continued: “From 1 December 2009, the public will benefit from one regulator and one licensing scheme which will allow them to have confidence in a regulated and trusted industry.”

Understanding the benefits of regulation

John Montague – the SIA’s head of investigation for Northern Ireland – explained: “Our priority is to communicate with all sectors of the security industry in Northern Ireland to help them understand the benefits of regulation and what they need to do to comply with the legislation.”

According to Montague, a “number of people and organisations” have already started to make good progress towards becoming licensed. “We advise all companies and individuals not to underestimate the time and resources it takes to become licensed,” he added, “and we urge those yet to start the licensing process to do so now.”

Licensable activities in the Province

In Northern Ireland, an SIA licence will be required from 1 December 2009 for each different licensable activity undertaken. These are:

• Cash-and-Valuables in Transit

• Close Protection

• Door Supervision*

• Public Space Surveillance (CCTV)

• Security Guarding

• Key Holding

• Immobilisation, restriction and removal of vehicles

*On 1 December 2009, all those working in designated sectors of the private security industry in Northern Ireland will need to hold an SIA licence. Legislation is in place to license all of the designated sectors, except in-house door supervisors. It’s expected that legislation to include in-house door supervisors will be put in place by September 2009.