Security watchdog tightens licensing rules
New offences and stricter refusal categories introduced from December
The UK’s private watchdog is tightening its licensing rules for security guards and door supervisors in a bid to raise standards and strengthen public safety.
The Security Industry Authority (SIA) confirmed it will update its licensing criteria from December 1, 2025, following a major public consultation that attracted more than 3,300 responses.
The new rules will apply to anyone applying for, or renewing, a licence, and to existing licence holders if new information emerges about their suitability.
Expanded list of offences
One of the most significant changes is an expanded list of “relevant offences” that the SIA will consider when deciding whether to grant or revoke a licence.
For the first time, this will include offences such as human trafficking, modern slavery, domestic abuse, revenge porn and female genital mutilation. New categories have also been added, covering immigration offences, public order crimes, tax evasion and company law breaches.
Officials said the update was necessary to bring the regime in line with modern criminal risks and public expectations.
Stricter refusal system
The authority is also reshaping its approach to refusals, introducing two new categories: “absolute refusal” and “intention to refuse”.
Under the absolute refusal system, anyone on the sex offenders register, subject to sexual harm or risk orders, or convicted of multiple sexual or child abuse offences will be automatically barred from obtaining an SIA licence. Appeals will only be accepted if the decision was based on incorrect information.
For existing licence holders, those offences will trigger an “intention to refuse”, giving the individual an opportunity to appeal by showing they are not a risk to the public.
Custodial sentences and overseas checks
The rules on custodial sentences are also being tightened. Anyone with a prison sentence of more than 12 months will be assessed under the “consider additional factors” category, while those sentenced to more than 48 months will face refusal unless exceptional circumstances apply.
The SIA is also extending its overseas criminal record checks. Currently, applicants must provide checks if they lived outside the UK for six months or more in the last five years. From December, this requirement will apply over the last ten years, a move designed to close potential loopholes.
Wider use of information
In addition, the watchdog is widening the range of “other information” it can use in assessing applicants. This will include misconduct findings by professional bodies, evidence of predatory or abusive sexual behaviour, and records of domestic abuse.
Raising standards
The SIA said the changes will ensure that only “fit and proper” individuals hold licences in the sector, which covers roles such as security guards, door supervisors and CCTV operators.
A spokesperson said: “These changes strengthen our ability to protect the public and improve trust in the private security industry.”
The new rules will come into force on December 1, 025, with transitional arrangements for current licence holders.
