Journey

Employing security staff: your compliance obligations

What pubs, clubs, retail, and events businesses need to know when employing or contracting SIA-licensed security staff — covering licence verification, working time, CCTV, and onboarding

Defence, Security & Space Running a Business Updated 3 September 2026
references 6 guides

How SIA regulation affects your business

Learn what the SIA does, which security roles require licences, and why it matters to businesses that hire or contract security personnel.

Check and verify SIA licence validity

Use the SIA licence checker to confirm a worker's licence is current and covers the correct sector — and understand what to do if a licence is invalid or expired.

Security staff onboarding checklist

A pre-deployment checklist covering licence verification, right to work, site induction, conflict management expectations, and reporting procedures.

Working time and shift management for security staff

Understand your obligations around maximum working hours, night work limits, rest breaks, and lone working risk assessments for security personnel.

CCTV data protection for businesses

Understand your legal obligations when operating CCTV, including signage requirements, data retention, subject access requests, and the Surveillance Camera Code of Practice.

SIA compliance checklist

An ongoing compliance audit covering licence renewals, ACS status checks, training records, incident logs, and periodic review of your security arrangements.