-optimized.jpg){kind=avatar}
The Security Industry Authority (SIA) has been given prescribed person status under the Public Interest Disclosure Act 1998 (PIDA), after the start of a Statutory Instrument that was laid before Parliament on May 1, 2026.
That means that workers who report wrongdoing in the private security industry to the SIA have greater legal protection if they face unfair treatment or dismissal because they make a disclosure to the SIA. Protected disclosures can cover a range of wrongs reported by workers, in the case of private security reporting unlicensed security, suspected fraudulent activity and other criminal offences, as well as other non-compliance and risks to public safety. Workers might make a disclosure to the SIA anonymously or confidentially under these new powers. Workers wishing to report concerns can read the SIAโs new whistleblowing guidance on what prescribed person status means for them and how to make a disclosure.
The SIA adds that it has consulted with, and has the support of, Protect, a UK whistleblowing charity, about these changes and how to best to ensure whistleblowers feel confident in making disclosures to the SIA. Michelle Russell, SIA Chief Executive said: โAll those who work in private security should feel confident that when they speak up to raise concerns, they are heard and supported. We expect security companies to create an environment where concerns can be raised openly, looked into fairly and issues addressed promptly.
“The SIA cannot carry out its role effectively as the security regulator without the help of people prepared to call out wrongdoing and step forward to provide us with details of what they have seen. ย Todayโs changes mean workers are, quite rightly, protected in law when making whistleblowing disclosures to the SIA.
“By supporting those who speak up, collectively the SIA, employers and those in the private security industry will root out criminality, improve standards and ultimately strengthen public trust in private security and those who work to protect the public and premises across the UK.โ
David Ward MBE, Founder of City Security Council said:ย โThis is a significant and very welcome step forward for the private security industry, and one I am particularly pleased to see following earlier engagement with the SIA on this issueย on behalf of City Security Council. For some time, there has been a clear gap in providing frontline officers and industry professionals with a trusted, protected route to raise concerns directly with their regulator.
โThe SIA achieving prescribed person status under the PIDA sends a strong and necessary signal that speaking up is not only supported but fundamental to raising standards, addressing malpractice, and protecting the public.”
The SIAโs prescribed status covers its work as the regulator of the private security industry. Whistleblowing under Martynโs Law is planned to be included in the SIAโs prescribed person status when the new law comes into force, due any time after April 2027.
