The Security Industry Authority (SIA) has taken significant action to safeguard standards within the private security industry by removing the British Institute of Innkeeping Awarding Body (BIIAB) from its list of recognised awarding organisations for certain SIA licence-linked qualifications. The move follows serious concerns identified through joint regulatory work with Ofqual and forms part of the SIA's wider effort to improve the quality and integrity of security training across the UK. GOV.UK
For security companies, security professionals and clients alike, this decision reinforces an important message: professional security starts with high-quality training.
Why Has the SIA Taken This Action?
To work in many frontline security roles, individuals must complete approved training before applying for an SIA licence. Those qualifications are delivered by training providers but awarded by organisations approved by the SIA.
Following regulatory action and investigations, the SIA announced that BIIAB should no longer register new learners for SIA licence-linked qualifications and that it would terminate its recognition agreement due to what it described as serious and persistent breaches of its obligations. GOV.UK
This action demonstrates the regulator's commitment to ensuring that every licensed security operative has completed training that genuinely meets the required national standards.
Raising Standards Across the Industry
The announcement forms part of the SIA's wider programme known as Operation RESOLUTE, which targets poor-quality training providers through intelligence-led investigations and unannounced inspections.
According to the SIA, inspectors have recently carried out numerous unannounced visits to training centres across England in partnership with Ofqual, helping to identify malpractice and maintain confidence in the licensing system. GOV.UK
The objective is straightforward:
- Protect the public.
- Maintain confidence in SIA licences.
- Ensure security officers receive the training they need.
- Remove organisations that fail to meet required standards.
What This Means for Security Officers
If you already hold a valid SIA licence, this announcement does not automatically affect your existing licence.
However, anyone looking to begin a career in security or renew their licence should always ensure they complete training through an approved provider using a recognised awarding organisation.
Choosing reputable training providers helps avoid delays, protects your investment and ensures your qualifications remain valid throughout the licensing process.
What It Means for Security Companies
For professional security companies, this announcement is a reminder that compliance is about far more than simply checking whether an officer holds an SIA licence.
Responsible employers should also ensure they:
- Verify licences using the SIA licence checker.
- Recruit from reputable training backgrounds.
- Invest in ongoing professional development.
- Carry out regular compliance checks.
- Promote a culture of professionalism and continuous improvement.
The quality of a security service depends not only on licensing but also on experience, supervision, communication and ongoing training.
Why Clients Should Care
Businesses hiring security providers often assume that all licensed officers have received the same level of training.
In reality, the SIA's recent action highlights why choosing an established, reputable security company matters.
A professional security provider will typically invest in:
- Continuous staff development.
- Site-specific training.
- Customer service skills.
- Emergency response procedures.
- Health and safety.
- Conflict management.
- Regular performance reviews.
These additional standards help ensure officers are prepared to deal with real-world situations while representing clients professionally.
All Time Security's Commitment to Quality
At All Time Security, we welcome initiatives that strengthen standards across the private security industry.
We believe clients deserve security officers who are not only fully SIA licensed but also professionally trained, customer-focused and committed to delivering the highest levels of service.
Our officers undergo careful selection, ongoing development and regular performance monitoring to ensure they continue meeting the expectations of our clients across London and the surrounding counties.
As the security industry evolves, maintaining high standards of professionalism, compliance and customer service will remain at the heart of everything we do.
Looking Ahead
The SIA has made it clear that improving standards across the private security industry remains a key priority, with increased oversight of training providers and a continued focus on protecting public safety. These improvements also align with the regulator's wider strategic plans, including preparations for its expanded responsibilities under Martyn's Law. GOV.UK
For businesses, security professionals and clients, the message is clear: quality training and strong regulation help create a safer, more professional security industry for everyone.
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