Before hiring any security operative in the UK, confirm three things: the licence is active on the Security Industry Authority’s public Register of Licence Holders, the licence sector matches the exact role the person will perform, and the details on the badge match the individual standing in front of you. Under the Private Security Industry Act 2001, anyone carrying out licensable work, including manned guarding, door supervision, public space CCTV monitoring, or key holding, must hold a valid front line SIA licence. Deploying an unlicensed operative is a criminal offence for both the worker and the business that engages them.
This guide sets out how the licensing system works, which licence covers which duty, and the verification steps that prevent costly compliance failures. The guidance draws on day-to-day operational experience of vetting, deploying, and auditing licensed officers across guarding, patrol, and event contracts throughout the UK.
What an SIA licence confirms
An SIA licence proves an individual has passed an identity check, a criminal record check, and approved training linked to a specific security discipline. It also confirms the right to work in the UK. The scale of the regime is significant: SIA data published in February 2025 recorded more than 500,000 active licences, the majority held for door supervision, followed by public space CCTV and contract security guarding (Security Industry Authority, GOV.UK). According to the SIA Business Plan 2025 to 2026, those licences were held by over 446,000 individuals across the UK.
Each licence lasts three years and is tied to one sector. The table below shows the main front line sectors and the duties each permits.
| Licence sector | What the holder can legally do | Typical deployment |
| Security guarding | Guard premises, property, and people against damage, theft, or injury | Static guards, mobile patrols, fire watch |
| Door supervision | All guarding duties plus work at licensed premises (alcohol or entertainment) | Events, venues, stewarding roles |
| Public space surveillance (CCTV) | Monitor public areas or identifiable individuals via CCTV | Control rooms, surveillance operations |
| Key holding | Hold keys and access premises on a client’s behalf | Alarm response, locking and unlocking |
| Close protection | Protect individuals from assault or injury | Personal security details |
Front line and non-front line licences
The distinction between the two licence types matters more than most buyers realise. A supervisor who only manages contracts needs a different credential from an officer patrolling a site. Confirm which type each person on your contract holds.
| Point of difference | Front line licence | Non-front line licence |
| Who needs it | Anyone performing licensable activity on the ground | Directors and managers who direct licensable activity |
| Format | Photographic badge worn or carried on duty | Paper letter; no badge to display |
| Covers physical duties | Yes, within the stated sector | No hands-on security work permitted |
| Verification method | Badge check plus online register | Online register check only |
How to verify a licence before signing anything
Run every name through the SIA Register of Licence Holders at services.sia.homeoffice.gov.uk. The search takes under a minute and shows whether a licence is active, suspended, or revoked. Then inspect the physical badge: the photo, expiry date, and sector printed on it must all align with the register entry and the person’s photo ID. A genuine badge on a suspended licence is worthless, which is why the register check comes first.
Bonus tip from operational practice: ask suppliers for licence numbers in writing before mobilisation, then re-check the register at contract renewal. Licences get revoked mid-term for criminal convictions, and a supplier will not always volunteer that information.
For companies rather than individuals, check the SIA Approved Contractor Scheme (ACS) register. Approval is voluntary, but it signals independently assessed standards in screening, training, and supervision. The SIA also inspects licence holders and approved contractors and prosecutes non-compliance, with enforcement outcomes published regularly on GOV.UK.
Factors to weigh before you commit
- Sector match. A guarding licence does not cover door work at licensed premises. Map every duty in your contract to the correct sector before deployment.
- Subcontracting chains. Ask whether the supplier subcontracts. Every layer adds vetting risk, so require licence evidence for subcontracted staff too.
- Insurance and screening. Request proof of public liability cover and BS 7858 staff screening alongside licence checks.
- Martyn’s Law readiness. Venues in scope of the Terrorism (Protection of Premises) Act 2025 should confirm the provider understands the new duties, as the SIA is taking on the regulator role.
Licensed security support from Keep Safe & Secure Ltd
Where a requirement spans several disciplines, these fully licensed services cover the most common needs:
- Security Guards. SIA-licensed officers for static guarding of commercial, retail, and construction sites.
- Mobile Security Patrols. Scheduled and random patrol visits that deter intrusion across multiple locations.
- Event Security and Stewards. Door supervision and crowd management for venues, festivals, and corporate events.
- Key Holding and Alarm Response. Licensed key holders who attend alarm activations so staff never face risk alone.
Questions buyers ask before choosing a provider
Can one officer cover both guarding and door duties
Only with a door supervision licence, which includes guarding permissions. The reverse does not apply.
Does an in-house security team need SIA licences
In-house guards generally sit outside compulsory licensing, but in-house door supervisors and vehicle immobilisers still need licences. Contracted staff always do.
Is an ACS-approved company legally required
No. ACS approval is voluntary, but it removes much of the vetting burden from the buyer.
Managing licensing after the contract starts
How often should licences be re-checked during a contract
Quarterly register checks are a sound baseline, with an additional check whenever new personnel arrive on site.
What happens if an officer’s licence expires mid-contract
The officer must stop licensable work immediately. Renewals can be submitted up to four months early, so expiry should never arrive as a surprise.
Who is liable if an unlicensed operative works on site
Both the individual and the supplying business can face prosecution, and the client organisation risks reputational and insurance consequences.
Do licence conditions change when regulations update
Yes. Training requirements have tightened over time, including mandatory first aid content for door supervisors, so long-running contracts should be reviewed against current SIA standards.
Key takeaways
Check the register, match the sector to the duty, and inspect the badge against photo ID. Treat ACS approval, screening standards, and subcontracting transparency as the next layer of assurance, and keep re-checking licences for the life of the contract. Assess your sites, the duties involved, and your long-term compliance obligations before selecting any provider.
Speak to a licensed security team
For help matching licensed officers to a specific site or event requirement, contact Keep Safe & Secure Ltd by email at info@keepsafesecure.com or by phone on +44 330 118 8340 to discuss the right licence sectors for your needs.
