Licensing and compliance aren’t just formalities in the world of private security, they’re what build trust, professionalism and peace of mind. They’re the backbone of an industry that protects your people, assets, property and your organisation’s reputation.
The Security Industry Authority (SIA) oversees this vital work under the Private Security Industry Act 2001, making it a legal requirement for anyone working in security to hold a valid SIA licence. That includes every security guard, door supervisor, CCTV operator and close protection officer all of whom must be trained, qualified and approved before they can step anywhere near your premises.
Being licensed means a security professional has completed the necessary training, passed strict background checks and earned their SIA badge with pride.
Compliance takes that commitment even further, showing that your security provider values integrity, accountability and your safety by ensuring only vetted, trusted professionals represent your organisation.
Most security companies follow the rules, but there are still quite a few cases of unlicensed guards being employed which is a serious breach of the law and trust.
The SIA continues to investigate and take enforcement action against such violations. By mid-2025, the SIA had 445 compliance investigations and 96 criminal investigations underway for various breaches. In addition, the regulator revoked over 7,300 individual licences and suspended more than 1,500 due to offences or failure to meet required standards.
Hiring a security provider that employs unlicensed guards can have serious consequences for your organisation. Whether intentional or not, doing so exposes you to multiple risks:
It’s a criminal offence to knowingly use unlicensed guards. Even if your organisation claims ignorance, you may still face regulatory action. The law clearly requires that all contracted security staff hold a valid SIA licence and display it while on duty.
Organisations found using unlicensed guards can face heavy fines. In addition, insurance policies often require proof of SIA licensing, meaning an incident involving an unlicensed guard could invalidate cover, leaving your organisation to absorb all costs.
Unlicensed guards have not completed mandatory training or vetting, so they may lack the skills and qualifications needed to manage incidents effectively. In some cases, they could even pose internal risks that proper SIA screening would have prevented.
Businesses that use unlicensed security personnel risk failing audits or breaching licence conditions, for example in the restaurant and bar sector. The reputational damage can be lasting, as news of non-compliance spreads quickly. Reputable organisations now often choose SIA Approved Contractors for peace of mind, knowing their security providers are independently audited for best practice.
In short, cutting corners with unlicensed security rarely saves money in the long run. The potential of unprofessional service, legal, financial and reputational risks far outweigh any short-term savings.
The UK’s private security sector is vast, worth over £10 billion annually. It includes around 11,500 companies offering physical security services such as guarding, door supervision and CCTV monitoring. As of early 2025, there were approximately 507,000 active SIA licences across the UK, held by around 450,000 licensed professionals.
The SIA’s Approved Contractor Scheme (ACS) currently includes around 750 companies that have been independently audited to meet higher compliance standards.
The regulator also expects to open roughly 840 compliance and intervention cases and complete 80 criminal investigations in 2025–26, highlighting its ongoing focus on enforcement.
This scale shows just how embedded the security industry is in everyday life, protecting people, organisations, venues and communities. Licensing and compliance keep that system safe, trusted and effective.
Licensed – A licensed security professional has completed SIA-approved training, passed exams, cleared background checks and holds a valid licence card displaying their photo, number and permitted activities. Licences are typically valid for three years and must be renewed.
Compliant – Compliance means following all applicable laws and SIA regulations, verifying licences, keeping accurate records and cooperating with audits. For your organisation, compliance also means doing due diligence, checking credentials and ensuring your chosen security provider meets all legal and ethical requirements.
Licensing and compliance aren’t just formalities, they’re what make the UK’s security industry professional, reliable and safe. When your security provider and your organisation uphold these standards, everyone benefits. When your security guards are properly trained your organisation is protected and you can have confidence in the people safeguarding you.
By choosing a licensed, compliant security provider they will not only protect your assets but also your reputation. In this industry, doing things the right way isn’t just good practice – it’s essential.
At Magenta Security Services, compliance isn’t a box-ticking exercise, it’s our promise to you. As an SIA-approved contractor with an 87.5 % audit score, we rank among the top 5 % of UK security providers.
When you choose Magenta Security Services, you choose experience, accountability and genuine peace of mind. Please feel free to view our SIA credentials.
Contact us today to find out how we can help your organisation stay safe, protected and compliant. Call 0800 772 3786 or click the button below.
