On February 1, the Security Industry Authority (SIA) officially opened licensing for six sectors of the private security industry in Scotland.
Extension to Scotland creates a single regulatory body for the private security industry in Great Britain, the SIA reports.
According to the regulator, thousands of individuals in Scotland have demonstrated their awareness of regulation and have already requested their SIA licence application packs, in advance of November 2007, when it will become compulsory for those operating in designated security industry roles in Scotland to hold an SIA licence.
What they say
SIA Acting Chief Executive Andy Drane said: "I am pleased to officially launch SIA licensing for Scotland. This is good news for security companies, security operatives and the public. SIA regulation in Scotland will ensure standards of training and professionalism in the private security industry are the same across the whole of Great Britain. The public will benefit from one regulator and one licensing scheme which will allow them to have confidence in a regulated and trusted industry, and Scottish security businesses will not be disadvantaged in a competitive market."
Jennifer Pattinson, SIA Head of Investigation for Scotland said: "SIA licensing for Scotland will help protect the public by preventing unsuitable or poorly trained people from working in the private security industry and by raising standards of service. Since July we have been communicating with all sectors of the security industry in Scotland to help them understand regulation. Between now and November we’ll ensure that every person who requires a licence in Scotland has the support and guidance they need to obtain one."
The SIA reports that the decision to extend licensing to Scotland follows responses to a public consultation paper issued by the Scottish Executive in September 2001. The responses displayed widespread support for SIA licensing from the police, local government, the public and security industry. The Scottish Executive however only agreed to come in with the London-based SIA rather than do its own Scots regulation, after the SIA began in England and Wales; hence the different timetable north of the border.
In April 2007 the SIA will launch the voluntary Approved Contractor Scheme (ACS) for security companies in Scotland.
