On Oct. 2, UK GVT said SIA is updating licensing criteria from Dec. 1.
UK GVT Security Industry Authority (SIA) announced it is updating licensing criteria (rules) used for licensing decision making processes, with effect from Dec. 1, 2025.
Summary
A consultation (Mar-May 2025) found support for proposals among license holders and private security businesses; the Minister for Security announced the changes on Oct. 1.
New criteria aim to extend SIA approach to criminality & provide greater transparency on the wider ‘fit and proper’ test that all applicants and license holders must meet.
SIA will expand the list of criminal offences considered relevant in licensing decisions.
Revised list includes a wider range of offences affecting whether someone is considered ‘fit and proper’ to hold a license, such as modern slavery, people trafficking, upskirting.
Criminality criteria will also be updated, including license refusals regarding criminal records containing sexual offences, child abuse/neglect, sentences of over 48 months.
Aims to refuse all such applications unless applicants can convince they are not a risk.
Will also apply a tougher approach to custodial sentences of over 12 months, with additional checks and mitigation; applicants who have lived overseas for 6 or more continuous months in the last 10 years to provide an overseas criminal record checks.
SIA will also make clearer other information that might be considered in decisions, e.g. domestic violence orders, being subject to misconduct/other disciplinary proceedings.
Effectiveness
New criteria will apply to all license applications from Dec. 1, 2025.
Regulators
UK GVT
Entity Types
CNSM; Corp
Reference
PR, 10/2/2025
Functions
Compliance; Human Rights; Legal; Operations; Registration/Licensing; Reporting; Risk; Suitability
