We have built tighter controls into our application procedures to ensure higher standards of security and improved information exchange with our operational partners but, because of that, we are refusing and revoking more licences than ever before. So far, we have refused 9,700 licence applications and revoked nearly 700 licences.
This is good news, because it means that licensing is still helping to drive up standards. However, it makes it even more important that suppliers and end users of licensed security operatives use our readily available public register of licence holders (and the register of revoked and suspended licences) to check licensed status and the validity of licences.
Recently, we announced changes to the identity documents we accept for a licence application. These more robust requirements came into effect on 1 October last year. We have been working hard with partners like the police service, the Identity and Passport Service and the Border and Immigration Agency to ensure we share the right information. In turn, this will help improve our decision-making processes.
We refuse licence applications if the identity, qualifications and/or the ‘fit and proper person’ criteria are not met. We revoke licences if something happens to change an individual’s suitability, or if we were given false information at the time of application.
We aim to process most valid licence applications within six weeks, although some applications take longer because of the additional work or checks required. Applicants who are non-EEA nationals should be aware that establishing their right to work in the UK may delay their application.
Employees still need to make sure they carry out responsible checks on their licensable employees, ensuring that pre-employment checking systems are robust and follow good practice guidance (for example, making absolutely certain that employees have a legal right to work in the UK).
Aside from the legal obligations for doing this, it also makes sound business sense to avoid wasting time and money on training and applications should we refuse or revoke the licence. All those concerned ought to remember that licence application fees are not refunded in these circumstances.
The definitive check as to whether someone is licensed is the public register, not the licence card itself. Our registers of current licence holders and those who have had their licences revoked are available 24 hours per day on our web site (www.the-sia.org.uk). It is essential that suppliers of licensable security operatives use these registers regularly to protect their customers, their reputations and to help reduce their own liability.
It is an offence for a supplier to provide unlicensed security operatives where the activity is licensable. The public registers are an important tool to help avoid this happening. The registers should be used regularly and routinely to check new and existing licensable employees. We know that some suppliers are already doing this. Remember the possession of a physical licence is reassuring for public display, but it’s not absolute confirmation that someone is licensed.
The SIA constantly keeps the licensing process under review to help ensure that only those entitled to do so achieve or retain their licensed status. We will also aim to make our public registers easier to use for those legitimately entitled to access them. Look out for further improvements later in the year.
Working together, we can ensure that licensing continues to protect the public from unsuitable people being in positions of trust and authority.