SIA launches consultation on business approval scheme

The Security Industry Authority (SIA) has launched a public consultation on its new business approval scheme.

The changes outlined in the consultation mark a shift in how the SIA approves businesses under the scheme. They will also change how standards are defined security businesses.

The business approval scheme is the main way the SIA can influence improvements to business standards. The SIA uses it to promote good practice and improvements in industry standards and it is voluntary.

Currently, the SIA approves around 750 security businesses.

The SIA has been engaging with stakeholders and industry and roadshows and roundtables. The consultation has been launched to gather views on the principles that will underpin this change. The SIA is seeking feedback from the private security industry, its customers, representative and other standard-setting bodies, agencies, members of the public and individuals with an interest in public safety.

The consultation will fund for six weeks, closing on 4 April.

Steve McCormick, SIA director of licensing and service delivery, said: "Since the SIA established its approvals scheme in 2006, there have been many changes in terms of customer requirements, an increased demand for private security, and new emerging threats to public safety.

"The growing recognition of the critical role private security plays in public safety means there is a clear need for a new scheme which is grounded in public protection. This is an opportunity to shape how the SIA sets standards for private security businesses to ensure they contribute to public protection and raise industry standards in the years ahead."