SIC 80.10 6,785 enterprises in the UK
Private security activities
What this covers (17 activity descriptions)
- Armoured car services
- Bodyguard activities
- Dog training for security purposes
- Fingerprinting services
- Guard activities
- Polygraph services
- Private security activities
- Security activities (not government)
- Security delivery of prisoners
- Security guard services
- Security shredding of information on any media
- Security support services for cash collection or deposit
- Security transport of valuables and money
- Store detective activities
- Street patrol
- Surveillance activities
- Watchman activities
Guidance for this activity
UK Export Controls for Defence Products
Navigate UK Strategic Export Control requirements for military and dual-use goods.
Read guideDefence Security Clearances
Understand SC and DV security clearance requirements for defence contractors.
Read guideBecome a MOD Supplier
How to register on MOD procurement portals, meet security and quality requirements, and bid for defence contracts.
Read guideITAR Compliance for UK Companies
Comply with US ITAR regulations when handling US defence articles.
Read guideUK Space Industry Licensing
Obtain licences for satellite operations, launches, and space activities.
Read guideUnderstanding SIA regulation of the private security industry
What the Security Industry Authority does, why private security is regulated in the United Kingdom, how the licensing system works under the Private Security Industry Act 2001, and what happens to businesses and individuals who operate without a licence.
Read guideVerify SIA licence validity for your employees
How to use the SIA licence checker to verify employee licences before deployment. Covers your legal obligations under section 5 of the Private Security Industry Act 2001 and what to do if a licence is expired, suspended, or revoked.
Read guideSet up security staff training
How to establish and manage ongoing training for private security employees. Covers initial SIA qualifications, mandatory refresher training, first aid maintenance, conflict management CPD, lone worker training, and record-keeping obligations.
Read guideManage security staff working time
Working time compliance for private security employers. Covers maximum weekly hours, night worker limits, rest break entitlements, opt-out agreements, and lone working risk assessments for security staff.
Read guideSIA employer compliance checklist
Compliance audit checklist for private security employers. Covers SIA licensing, refresher training, first aid, DBS checks, right to work verification, badge display, working time records, and risk assessments for lone working and violence.
Read guideSecurity staff onboarding checklist
Pre-deployment checklist for onboarding new private security employees. Covers SIA licence verification, DBS checks, right to work, site-specific induction, lone working briefing, conflict management, communication equipment, and emergency procedures.
Read guideSIA training qualifications reference
Quick-reference table of all SIA-approved qualifications by licence type, including core qualifications, refresher requirements, first aid prerequisites, guided learning hours, and approved awarding organisations.
Read guideData protection for security CCTV and body-worn cameras
Data protection obligations for private security companies operating CCTV systems and body-worn cameras. Covers the two legal frameworks (UK GDPR and the Surveillance Camera Code), data protection impact assessments, signage, retention periods, and responding to subject access requests.
Read guideStart a private security business
End-to-end guide to starting a private security business in Great Britain, covering company registration, mandatory insurance, SIA Approved Contractor Scheme registration, recruiting licensed staff, compliance systems, and industry standards including BS 7499 and BS 7858.
Read guideApply for an SIA licence
Step-by-step guide to applying for a Security Industry Authority (SIA) licence. Covers which licence type you need, what documents to prepare, and how to complete the online application.
Read guideRenew your SIA licence
How to renew your SIA licence before it expires, including the new mandatory refresher training requirements for door supervisors (from April 2025) and close protection operatives (from April 2026).
Read guideSIA licence types and requirements
Quick reference for all SIA licence types, which security activities require a licence, and current fees.
Read guideRegister as an SIA Approved Contractor
How to apply for and maintain SIA Approved Contractor Scheme (ACS) status. Covers eligibility requirements, choosing a UKAS-accredited assessment body, preparing for assessment, and maintaining your approved status.
Read guide