Security Industry Authority (SIA)

How They Got Started

The Security Industry Authority is the organisation responsible for regulating the private security industry.

They are an independent body reporting to the Home Secretary, under the terms of the Private Security Industry Act 2001. Their remit covers the United Kingdom.

Their Mission

The SIA has two main duties. One is the compulsory licensing of individuals undertaking designated activities within the private security industry; the other is to manage the voluntary Approved Contractor Scheme, which measures private security suppliers against independently assessed criteria.

SIA licensing covers manned guarding (including security guarding, door supervision, close protection, cash and valuables in transit, and public space surveillance using CCTV), key holding and vehicle immobilising.

Licensing ensures that private security operatives are ‘fit and proper’ persons who are properly trained and qualified to do their job.

SIA’s Approved Contractor Scheme introduced a set of operational and performance standards for suppliers of private security services. Those organisations that meet these standards are awarded Approved Contractor status. This accreditation provides purchasers of private security services with independent proof of a contractor’s commitment to quality.

ARK: Alarm Response & Keyholding holds their accreditation.

ARM Secure

ARM Secure specialise in providing professional Keyholding and Alarm Response Monitoring services across the UK to secure your home or business and ensure the safety of your family and staff.

Visit ARK Page

More about SIA 

One of the main duties of the SIA is to manage the Approved Contractor Scheme (ACS), a voluntary quality assurance scheme that measures private security suppliers against independently assessed operational and performance standards. Organisations that meet these standards are awarded ‘Approved Contractor’ status.  

The ACS is based upon widely recognised business improvement models: ISO9001 and the European Foundation for Quality Management (EFQM) Excellence Model. The Scheme also references the British Standard codes of practice applicable to the private security industry and conformance to the relevant codes are built into the ACS requirements.

To read more about Security Industry Authority please visit their website.