Security Industry Authority (SIA) licensing came into Northern Ireland – the last prt of the UK – on December 1, 2009. It’s has now been in place in the region for one year.
In the 12 months, 9163 licences have been issued to individuals living in the country; and there are 51 Approved Contractor Scheme companies based or operating in Northern Ireland. During the year, SIA investigators have done operations throughout the country, conducting targeted checks of more than 300 security operatives. The most recent SIA inspections reveal high compliance of 99.5pc in Northern Ireland.<br><br>Chief executive Bill Butler, pictured, said: “The level of compliance we have seen in just the first year of licensing demonstrates that the security industry in Northern Ireland has recognised the value of SIA regulation, and that operatives and companies have worked hard to ensure that they meet the legal requirements.<br><br>“It is also very encouraging to see so many ACS companies operating in Northern Ireland, as well as the high number of licences issued to individuals.”<br><br>SIA licensing was introduced into Northern Ireland for in-house door supervisors only in April 2010, the then Northern Ireland Office minister Paul Goggins putting the date for door staff back in June 2009. This came after licensing into Scotland in 2007, and a phased introduction across England and Wales first for door staff from 2004. For further information about the Security Industry Authority:
