My Account - Register - View Shopping Cart - 0 items: £0.00
Call us today: 08000 89 70 55
or Email: ast@ast-services.co.uk
First Aid Training, Fire Safety Courses, Health & Safety, Security Training Provider
ASTS the UK's premier fully accredited training provider - Quality Training without Compromise
SIA Licence – Why Do You Need One
What is a SIA Licence and why do you or your employee need this. The Security Industry Authority Licence, which was implemented in 2001 by the Home Office, was introduced for those working in the private security business such as security guards, bouncers at clubs and establishments, doormen and CCTV operators. The SIA Licence was developed for the benefit of both the public and the employee to increase job satisfaction and also increase the safety and security of the public and those working on the job.
The SIA Licence helps to ensure that the employee has a proof of age (at least 18 years old) and those who are considered to be at high risk are discovered prior to employment with a criminal investigation check. Occasionally, where the work may be highly stressful, the company may request a mental health declaration to ensure the employee can cope with the pressures of the work.
The SIA Licensing Agency does offer exemptions for those companies who supply workplace training that meet the requirements of SIA Licensing. This is given under Section 4(4) of the Private Security Industry Act 2001. This allows the company to apply for approved contractor status by the SIA and once granted the employee is trained in-house and does not have to repeat the training twice.
SIA Licences cover various aspects of security work, and you are able to hold more than one SIA Licence. Each individual SIA training course generally lasts approximately one week or less allowing you to complete the course before starting a new job. When applying for a SIA Licence it usually takes around 30 days for the process to get through the system, the main reasons for slow processing is wrongly completed application forms so it is essential you take time to complete the application form correctly.
Once completed, your SIA licensing course will give you invaluable background and knowledge of not only how to stay safe on the job but enable you to perform your job and the ability to cope with nearly any situation that arises during your working day with confidence.
How do you apply for a SIA Licence?
The Home Office website, www.sia.homeoffice.gov.uk gives a step-by-step guide to applying for a SIA Licence, advice on which licence you will need with a licence identifier, an on-line form with a tracking facility and answers to the many questions you may have. Alternatively, you can apply for an application pack by calling 0844 892 1025 (lines open 8am until 8pm Mon-Fri).
How much does a SIA Licence cost? The application fee is £245 for a three year licence. This covers the cost of processing your application and is not refundable. If you pay for your own licence fee, you will be able to claim tax relief against your taxable income, more information on this is given on the HMRC website. If you are an employer paying the licence fee for your employee there will be no tax or National Insurance liability. Some people may need more than once licence due to the nature of their work, in which case the second licence will be discounted by 50%.
SIA Licence renewals are accepted up to four months in advance and should be applied for before your current SIA Licence expires as you need a valid licence to work legally. A new SIA Licence costs the same as a new application (£245) and requires the same form. No additional training or qualification is required and your new SIA Licence will expire three years from renewal.
