Security Industry Authority (SIA) Licence Top-Up, Refresher and Continuing Competence Syllabus

What does RIDDOR stand for, and why is it relevant to recording incidents?

Reporting of Injuries, Diseases and Dangerous Occurrences Regulations 2013 — it requires certain serious work-related injuries, diseases and dangerous occurrences to be reported to the HSE.

Give two examples of injuries that are reportable to the HSE under RIDDOR.

Specified injuries such as fractures (other than fingers/thumbs/toes), amputations, loss of sight; and any injury causing a worker to be incapacitated for more than 7 consecutive days.

What is the 'over-7-day' rule under RIDDOR?

If a worker is away from work or unable to perform their normal duties for more than 7 consecutive days (excluding the day of the accident) due to a work injury, it must be reported to the HSE.

Why is confidentiality important when recording first aid and casualty information?

Because casualty health details are sensitive personal data protected under the UK GDPR and Data Protection Act 2018, and must only be shared on a need-to-know basis.

Why was 'top-up' training introduced for licence-linked qualifications by the SIA?

To bridge the gap for already-qualified operatives when the qualification standards changed — allowing them to update their skills (e.g. first aid, physical intervention, terror awareness) without redoing the entire course.

For which two main SIA sectors was top-up training principally introduced?

Door Supervisors and Security Officers (Security Guarding) — to update existing licence holders to the refreshed qualification standards.

By what deadline did existing door supervisors and security officers generally need to complete top-up training to renew their licence under the refreshed standards?

Those whose qualifications predated the new standards had to complete the relevant top-up training before they could renew their SIA licence (the SIA set transition deadlines, commonly around the 2021–2022 renewal cycle).

Name three key skill areas added or strengthened by the refreshed SIA qualifications and top-up training.

Emergency first aid, terror threat awareness (counter-terrorism), and (for door supervisors) physical intervention skills, alongside improved communication and conflict management.

What counter-terrorism awareness initiative is now embedded in SIA training following the refresh?

ACT (Action Counters Terrorism) awareness — teaching operatives to recognise, respond to, and report suspicious activity and terror threats.

What is the primary piece of legislation governing the private security industry and the SIA in the UK?

The Private Security Industry Act 2001.

Under the Private Security Industry Act 2001, what makes carrying out licensable security activity without a licence an offence?

It is a criminal offence to engage in licensable conduct (e.g. door supervision, security guarding) without holding a valid SIA licence, punishable by fine and/or imprisonment.

What body regulates the private security industry in the UK and issues licences?

The Security Industry Authority (SIA), an independent body reporting to the Home Secretary.

List three licensable activities under the SIA licensing regime.

Door supervision, security guarding (manned guarding), and close protection — also cash and valuables in transit, public space surveillance (CCTV), and key holding.

What is the difference between an SIA front-line licence and a non-front-line licence?

A front-line licence is required to carry out licensable activity directly (e.g. working as a door supervisor); a non-front-line licence is for managers, supervisors or directors who manage but do not perform front-line work.

What is 'physical intervention' in the context of SIA door supervisor training?

The use of physical skills and techniques (including disengagement and escorting/holding skills) to manage and control conflict where non-physical methods have failed, applied lawfully, reasonably, and proportionately.

Why was a dedicated physical intervention unit added to the door supervisor qualification?

To ensure door supervisors can use lawful, safe, and proportionate physical skills when necessary, reducing risk of injury to themselves and others and meeting the higher risk profile of door supervision.

What legal principle governs the level of force a door supervisor may use in a physical intervention?

Force must be reasonable, proportionate, necessary, and lawful — the minimum force required in the circumstances, in line with self-defence law (e.g. Section 3 Criminal Law Act 1967).

Distinguish between 'reasonable force' and 'excessive force' in security work.

Reasonable force is the minimum necessary and proportionate to the threat; excessive force exceeds what is necessary or proportionate and may constitute assault, leaving the operative criminally and civilly liable.

Why are 'prohibited' physical intervention techniques (such as neck holds or prone restraint) discouraged in SIA training?

Because they carry a high risk of positional asphyxia, serious injury, or death; training teaches lower-risk disengagement and control techniques and emphasises monitoring the subject's breathing.

What is positional asphyxia, and why must operatives be aware of it during restraint?

A potentially fatal condition where a person's body position restricts breathing; operatives must avoid restraint positions (especially prolonged prone holds) that compromise the airway and must monitor the person continuously.

What is the minimum age to apply for an SIA front-line licence?

18 years old.

How long is a standard SIA front-line licence valid?

3 years (close protection and other front-line licences are typically 3 years).

What three core things must an applicant satisfy to be granted an SIA licence?

Be aged 18 or over, pass an identity and criminality (right-to-work and criminal record) check, and hold the relevant SIA-approved licence-linked qualification for the sector.

What document confirms an individual's right to work and identity during an SIA licence application?

Acceptable identity documents (e.g. passport, biometric residence permit, or driving licence with supporting documents) verified against the SIA's identity-checking requirements.

What criminal record check underpins the SIA's 'fit and proper person' assessment?

A criminality check based on the applicant's criminal record; relevant convictions, cautions, and warnings are assessed against the SIA's 'Get Licensed' criminal record criteria.

When should a licence holder begin the SIA licence renewal process to avoid a gap in licensing?

Renewal can be started up to 4 months before the licence expiry date; applying early avoids working without a valid licence after expiry.

What must a licence holder do if their personal details (e.g. name or address) change during the life of their SIA licence?

Notify the SIA within the required period (within 14 days) so their record remains accurate, as failing to do so can breach licence conditions.

What does Continuing Professional Development (CPD) mean for a licensed security operative?

The ongoing process of maintaining and updating knowledge, skills, and competence throughout a career — e.g. refresher first aid, updated legislation, conflict management, and sector-specific training.

Give two reasons why CPD is important in the private security industry.

It keeps operatives current with changing legislation, threats (e.g. terrorism), and best practice; and it improves professional standards, employability, and public safety.

What does 'fitness to practise' refer to in the context of an SIA licence holder's conduct?

Whether a person remains a fit and proper person to hold a licence — covering their criminal conduct, honesty, behaviour, and ability to perform their role safely and lawfully; serious breaches can lead to licence suspension or revocation.

Name two grounds on which the SIA may revoke or refuse to renew a licence.

Relevant criminal convictions/cautions obtained during the licence period, and breaches of licence conditions or conduct/behaviour that show the person is no longer fit and proper (e.g. dishonesty, violence, or working while disqualified).