The Security Industry Authority (SIA) has confirmed a series of important updates to its licencing criteria, which will come into effect from 1 December 2025. These changes form part of the SIA’s ongoing commitment to strengthening public protection, increasing transparency, and raising professional standards across the UK’s private security industry.
The updated criteria will apply to all new licence applications and renewals submitted from this date and will also be relevant where new information comes to light about existing licence holders.
Purpose of the Updated Criteria
SIA uses licencing criteria to determine whether an individual is suitable to work in regulated security roles. These criteria are designed to ensure that only those who meet the required standards of honesty, responsibility, and professionalism are permitted to hold an SIA licence.
The new updates introduce a tougher and clearer framework for assessing whether an applicant is considered “fit and proper” to hold a licence. While the SIA has always applied robust checks, these changes strengthen the process and provide greater clarity about how decisions are made.
Expanded Range of Criminal Offences
One of the most significant changes is the expansion of the list of criminal offences that the SIA considers relevant when making licencing decisions.
The updated list will now include a wider range of offences that directly impact public safety and trust, including but not limited to:
- Modern slavery and people trafficking
- Upskirting and other serious sexual offences
- Child abuse or child neglect-related offences
By expanding this list, the SIA is ensuring that licencing decisions reflect modern legislation, safeguarding priorities, and evolving public expectations.
Stricter Assessment of Criminality
The SIA will also apply a stricter approach to how criminal records are assessed under the new criteria.
Key changes include:
- A tougher stance where an applicant has convictions involving sexual offences, child abuse or neglect, or custodial sentences of more than 48 months
- Greater scrutiny of custodial sentences exceeding 12 months, with additional checks and stronger mitigation evidence required
- Continued recognition of rehabilitation, while ensuring that public protection remains the priority
It is important to note that having a criminal record does not automatically mean an applicant will be refused a licence. However, all relevant information will be carefully reviewed to assess risk and suitability.
Overseas Criminal Record Checks
From 1 December 2025, applicants who have lived overseas for six or more continuous months within the last ten years will be required to provide an overseas criminal record check when applying for an SIA licence.
Previously, this requirement covered only the last five years. Extending this period strengthens background checks and aligns SIA processes more closely with criminality checks used in other regulated UK sectors, such as education, health, and social care.
Wider ‘Fit and Proper’ Considerations
In addition to criminal convictions, the SIA has clarified that it may consider a broader range of information when determining whether someone is fit and proper to hold a licence.
This may include:
- Domestic violence orders
- Findings of misconduct
- Disciplinary proceedings or professional sanctions
This approach recognises that professional behaviour and personal conduct are just as important as criminal history in maintaining trust within the security industry.
Who Will Be Affected by These Changes?
The updated licencing criteria will apply to:
- All new SIA licence applications submitted from 1 December 2025
- Licence renewals submitted after this date
- Existing licence holders where new relevant information becomes available
Applicants and licence holders are strongly encouraged to review the criteria carefully before starting the application or renewal process.
Consultation and Industry Support
These updates follow a wide-ranging public consultation conducted between March and May 2025, which received over 3,300 responses. The consultation results showed strong support for the proposed changes among SIA licence holders and private security businesses.
The final changes were announced at the International Security Expo, highlighting their importance to the future of the private security industry.
Supporting Learners at London Security College
At London Security College, we remain fully aligned with SIA regulations and industry standards. We ensure that our learners and licence holders are kept informed about regulatory updates and understand how these changes may affect their career progression.
Staying informed about licencing requirements is essential for anyone entering or continuing a career in the UK private security sector.
