In January 2014 the Security Industry Authority (SIA) will stop issuing paper based licence applications. For individuals, the only way to apply for a new licence will be to fill in your application online at the SIA website; individuals will then be told which identity and other documents to take to one of 750 post offices around the country to complete their application.
The Post Office will complete licence applications by:
โข Checking and returning the applicants documents,
โข Taking a digital photograph and an electronic signature, and
โข Taking payment of the application fee.
The applicantโs photograph and signature are sent to the SIA electronically by the Post Office. The SIA will then add them to the application information already received and continue with its checks, as it does today.
The SIA says that the service with the Post Office makes applying for a new licence easier and cheaper; most applicants will no longer need to post valuable documents and supply a photograph, which can be costly and inconvenient. Individuals renewing their licence can use the authorityโs telephone renewals service, as now.
For businesses, the SIA will continue to offer the bulk application service – a service used by companies to manage the completion and submission of new applications on behalf of their employees. However, to use this facility the registered company sponsor will be expected to apply for an exemption. The regulator says that its Business Support team will be contacting registered company sponsors to discuss the exemption process with them.
The SIAโs e-Renewals service – which allows companies to renew SIA licences, or apply for extra licences, on behalf of their staff – will continue and company sponsors for this service will continue to be accepted by the SIA.
Charlotte Jennings, Deputy Director Operations, said: โThe SIA is committed to providing an easier, cheaper and quicker service to all its applicants. The move away from paper-based applications is a crucial step in achieving that. The face to face element of the new service will reduce errors, which can cause applications to be rejected, and will help to discourage fraud.โ
For further information about the Security Industry Authority visit: www.sia.homeoffice.gov.uk.
