When hiring security staff in the UK, nothing is more critical than completing Right to Work Checks in the Security Industry. These checks are a legal requirement for every employer and every applicant, without exception. Security roles involve protecting people, property, and public spaces, which means employers must ensure that every individual they hire is legally authorized to work and has undergone professional verification.
Understanding Right to Work Checks in the Security Industry is not simply about compliance; it’s about safeguarding your business, protecting your clients, and maintaining trust within one of the most heavily regulated sectors in the UK. Employers who ignore or misunderstand these checks expose themselves to severe fines, contract losses, and operational risks.
For organisations aiming to strengthen their compliance processes, our Security Industry Training Courses provide essential support.
Why Right to Work Checks Matter More in Security Than Any Other Sector
The security industry operates under strict regulations because officers work in high-responsibility environments, corporate buildings, public events, retail spaces, government sites, transport hubs, and more. This is why Right to Work Checks in the Security Industry carry higher expectations compared to other types of employment.
Completing checks correctly ensures:
Staff are legally permitted to work in the UK
Identity documents are genuine and verified
No illegal worker is deployed on any security site
SIA licence applications remain valid
Your organisation meets Home Office compliance standards
Right to Work compliance is essential for every employer. If your team needs support, explore our Security Industry Training Courses designed specifically for HR teams, managers, and security recruiters.
What Counts as a Fully Compliant Right to Work Check?
To meet Home Office and SIA requirements, an employer must follow all three steps of a compliant check. Understanding this process is a core part of mastering Right to Work Checks in the Security Industry.
1. Obtain Official Documentation
Acceptable documents include:
A valid UK passport
A Share Code for non-UK nationals
A Biometric Residence Permit
EU Settlement Scheme proof
Certificate of British Citizenship
These must be original, unexpired, and legally valid.
2. Check the Documents Properly
Employers must verify that:
The photo matches the candidate
The date of birth is consistent
The document shows permission to work
There are no signs of tampering
Visas or work permissions allow security roles
This step protects your organisation from fraudulent documents and illegal working.
3. Keep Secure Copies
You must keep copies for the duration of employment plus two years. Digital storage is acceptable but must be secure and accessible for audits.
These steps form the foundation of Right to Work Checks in the Security Industry, and completing them incorrectly is considered a breach of law.
Digital Right to Work Checks: What Employers Should Know
The Home Office now allows digital alternatives through verified Identity Service Providers (IDSPs). This makes Right to Work Checks in the Security Industry faster, more secure, and easier to audit.
Digital checks include:
Share Code verification
Online immigration status checks
Approved identity verification for British & Irish passports
However, employers must remember:
Using digital systems does NOT remove your legal responsibility.
You are still accountable for compliance.
To further support your team, consider enrolment in our Right to Work Compliance Training, ideal for HR and recruitment staff in security companies.
Right to Work Checks and SIA Licencing: How They Connect
The SIA will only grant a licence to individuals with lawful permission to work. This is why employers must understand how Right to Work Checks in the Security Industry directly impact SIA compliance.
Employers must:
Verify candidates’ legal status before applying
Ensure visa expiry dates are tracked
Confirm names and documents match SIA applications
Remove staff from duty if right to work expires
Failure to do this can lead to:
SIA licence suspension
Contract penalties
Industry-wide compliance investigations
To avoid these issues, explore our Security Industry Training Courses, which support employers in building strong compliance frameworks.
Common Mistakes Security Employers Must Avoid
Even experienced employers sometimes make errors when handling Right to Work Checks in the Security Industry. Some of the most common mistakes include:
❌ Accepting photocopies instead of originals
❌ Not checking expiry dates
❌ Missing re-checks for time-limited visas
❌ Storing documents insecurely
❌ Allowing staff to start before checks are complete
Each of these mistakes exposes your company to significant risk, including fines of up to £20,000 per illegal worker. That’s why consistent training for managers and HR teams is essential.
Best Practices for Employers to Stay Fully Compliant
To strengthen your compliance and reduce risk, follow these best practices when completing Right to Work Checks in the Security Industry:
✔ Use a standardised checking process
✔ Train recruitment teams on document fraud
✔ Use digital verification tools where appropriate
✔ Track visa expiry dates with automated reminders
✔ Carry out internal audits regularly
✔ Ensure documents are stored securely and legally
Businesses that follow these practices develop stronger operations, safer teams, and better client relationships.
If your organisation needs structured training, our Security Industry Training Courses include compliance modules to support your HR and recruitment teams.
Why Strong Right to Work Processes Improve Your Entire Security Operation
Completing Right to Work Checks in the Security Industry correctly doesn’t just protect your organisation from legal risk, it strengthens the quality of your workforce and the professionalism of your business.
✔ Better Staff Quality
You avoid hiring candidates with false identities or expired permissions.
✔ Greater Trust from Clients
Clients expect compliance. Meeting these standards improves your reputation.
✔ Reduced Risk of Penalties
Accurate checks protect you from severe fines and contract losses.
✔ Stronger Operational Standards
Compliance demonstrates professionalism and responsibility.
Employers who implement strong Right to Work processes benefit from safer operations, higher-quality staff, and long-term contract stability.
For ongoing support, explore our Security Industry Training Courses and keep your team fully compliant.
