The Security Industry Authority opened a consultation on 28 August 2026 proposing changes to the qualifications and prerequisites linked to private-security licences. The proposals concern close protection, door supervision, security guarding, CCTV and other regulated roles.
This is not yet a change in law or licensing conditions. The SIA is seeking views before deciding whether and how to amend the qualification framework.
What is being proposed?
The consultation proposes updated knowledge and skills specifications for licence-linked qualifications. The SIA says some applicants may need more training than under the current framework.
The regulator is also considering whether close-protection operatives, door supervisors and security guards should be required to maintain a valid first-aid certificate as an ongoing licence condition rather than only meeting a training prerequisite at a particular point.
English-language assessment could change
Applicants already need sufficient English-language ability for training and licensed work. The consultation asks whether the current assessment process should be strengthened through an additional independent test.
For training providers and applicants, the practical issue is not simply the level expected but how it would be evidenced, who could administer an accepted assessment and when the requirement would have to be satisfied.
Licence integration is under review
The SIA is asking whether close-protection licence holders should continue to be permitted to perform door-supervision and security-guarding activities through licence integration.
Removing or narrowing that arrangement could affect deployment models, staffing flexibility and the qualifications workers need for different assignments. Employers should not change roles or contracts on the assumption that the proposal has already been adopted.
Trainers may face an additional licensing requirement
Another proposal would require trainers delivering licence-linked training to hold an SIA licence for the sectors they teach. If adopted, providers may need to review instructor eligibility, recruitment and course scheduling.
The consultation also includes revised draft specifications for common security-industry knowledge, conflict management, physical intervention and sector-specific training.
What should businesses do now?
Security businesses, training providers and licence holders should compare the draft specifications with their current courses, staffing and compliance processes. Responses should identify operational costs, safeguarding benefits and any unintended consequences.
Until the SIA publishes a final decision and implementation timetable, existing licensing and qualification requirements continue to apply. Businesses should distinguish clearly between current obligations and consultation proposals when communicating with staff or applicants.
This article is for general information only and is not legal advice.