The Security Industry Authority has hosted road shows across Northern Ireland explaining new licensing arrangements for the private security industry.
From December 2009 Northern Ireland will join Security Industry Authority (SIA) regulation, when it will be law for individuals working within designated sectors of the private security industry to have a Security Industry Authority licence.
The road show toured five towns and cities across Northern Ireland – Belfast, Coleraine, Londonderry, Fivemiletown and Newry – to brief individuals working in the private security industry and buyers of private security services in Northern on the changes ahead. Individuals working in the private security industry and buyers of private security services in Northern Ireland attended and listened to speakers from the SIA, the Northern Ireland Office, private security companies and users of private security explain and discuss the purpose, process, risks and benefits of licensing at each road show event.
The introduction of regulation of the private security industry brings Northern Ireland in line with England, Scotland and Wales, where licensing has already been successfully introduced over the past few years. An SIA licence will be required for each different licensable activity undertaken in Northern Ireland. These are:
? Cash and Valuables in Transit
? Close Protection
? Door Supervision
? Immobilisation, restriction and removal of vehicles
? Key Holding
? Public Space Surveillance (CCTV)
? Security Guard
Andy Drane, SIA Director of Compliance & Enforcement and leader of the implementation programme said: "The Security Industry Authority road shows were a great success and well attended by hundreds of employers and employees working within the Northern Ireland private security industry. Regulation will help to raise the standards of competence and professionalism in this industry and will provide recognition for companies and individuals in Northern Ireland who do operate to high standards and who have invested in training. This is a very important industry and we must work in partnership to create a well regulated and brighter future."
From May 2009 the SIA will be accepting licence applications, as well as applications from suppliers wishing to register as approved under the SIA’s Approved Contractor Scheme (ACS). Businesses and individuals can find out more about how the new regulation will affect them and how it is operating in other parts of the UK by visiting –
