Use this checklist to audit your compliance as a private security employer. Work through each section and resolve any gaps. Failure on licensing items can result in criminal prosecution.
Licensing
- All staff performing licensable activity hold a valid, active SIA licence
- Each licence covers the correct sector for the work being performed
- Licence validity verified on the SIA Register of Licence Holders before first deployment
- SIA licence card carried and displayed by each operative while on duty
- Licence expiry dates tracked and renewal prompted at least three months in advance
- Records of all licence checks held on file (date, licence number, checker name)
Pre-employment checks
- Right to work check completed and documented before first day of work
- Enhanced DBS check completed (or application submitted) for each employee
- Barred list check completed where the role involves regulated activity
- Identity documents verified against the SIA licence card
Training
- Refresher training planned and booked before each employee's licence expiry
- First aid qualifications current for all staff required to provide first aid
- Conflict management CPD delivered within the past 12 months
- Lone working training and induction completed for all lone workers
- Training records maintained for each employee
Working time and risk assessments
- Weekly working hours recorded for all staff
- Opt-out agreements signed where employees work more than 48 hours per week
- Night worker health assessments offered
- Rest break entitlements met and recorded
- Lone working risk assessment completed and reviewed at least annually
- Violence risk assessment completed and reviewed at least annually
If you answered 'no' to any licensing item, stop deploying the affected individual immediately. Deploying unlicensed security operatives is a criminal offence under section 5 of the Private Security Industry Act 2001, carrying a maximum penalty of five years' imprisonment and an unlimited fine.