Private Security Industry Act 2001
The Act that licenses door supervisors, security guards, and the SIA
The Private Security Industry Act 2001 created the Security Industry Authority (SIA) and made it an offence to engage in licensable conduct without an SIA licence. Door supervisors at licensed premises, security guards, close protection officers, and CCTV operators all fall within scope. Venues hiring door staff need to verify that every individual on the door holds an in-date SIA licence and that the company they work for, where applicable, complies with the Approved Contractor Scheme (ACS) standard.
Key Requirements
Door supervisors must hold a current SIA licence
Every individual carrying out the licensable conduct of a door supervisor at licensed premises must hold a current SIA Door Supervisor licence. The licence is a credit-card-sized badge and is valid for three years.
Approved Contractor Scheme (ACS)
Security firms can voluntarily join the ACS, which requires them to demonstrate management quality, training, and compliance against a published standard. Many venues require their door staff providers to be ACS-approved.
Verification at point of engagement
Venues should verify each door supervisor's licence is in date at the point they start work. The SIA provides a public register lookup. Records of verification are best practice.
Use of body-worn video (BWV)
Body cams are increasingly common on doors. Their use should be supported by a written policy covering recording conditions, retention, and subject access rights under the UK GDPR.
What Your Business Must Do
1. Verify SIA licence at point of engagement
For every door supervisor starting work, verify their badge is in date using the SIA public register. Record the badge number, expiry, and any ACS provider details.
2. Track expiries proactively
SIA licences are valid for 3 years. Set reminders 60 days ahead of expiry so renewals do not lapse mid-shift.
3. Use ACS providers where possible
ACS-approved companies reduce the operator's due-diligence burden. Make ACS status part of your supplier criteria.
4. Document body cam policy
Where door staff carry body cams, publish a written policy covering when recording starts, retention period, access rights, and storage security.
5. Investigate and report breaches
If a door supervisor works without a valid badge or commits an offence on shift, internal investigation and notification to the SIA may be required. Keep evidence.
Penalties for Non-Compliance
Engaging in licensable conduct without an SIA licence
Up to 6 months imprisonment and/or fine up to £5,000
Knowingly using unlicensed security personnel
Up to 5 years imprisonment and/or unlimited fine
Premises licence review consequences
Use of unlicensed door staff is a serious breach of licensing objectives and triggers reviews
How Paddl Helps
Contractor profiles for door staff
Every door supervisor gets a profile with SIA badge number, expiry, ACS provider, body cam ID, and shift history. RAG status flags expiring badges.
Self-fill links for casual door staff
Casual door supervisors hired for one-off shifts get a 12-hour self-fill link to enter badge details before they start. No account creation required.
Body cam policy storage and acknowledgement
Store your written body cam policy and capture digital acknowledgement from each door supervisor on first shift.
ACS provider records
Track which security firms you use, their ACS status, and the staff they supply.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is an SIA licence?
An SIA licence is the credit-card-sized badge issued by the Security Industry Authority that authorises an individual to carry out licensable conduct in the private security industry. Door supervisors at licensed premises require the SIA Door Supervisor licence, valid for three years.
How do I verify a door supervisor's SIA licence?
Use the SIA public register at services.sia.homeoffice.gov.uk/rlr to check the licence number against the holder's name and confirm the expiry date. Verify at the point of engagement and record the verification.
What is the Approved Contractor Scheme (ACS)?
The ACS is a voluntary quality scheme run by the SIA for businesses providing security services. ACS-approved companies must meet a published standard covering management, training, and operational performance. Using ACS providers reduces the operator's due-diligence burden.
Are venues responsible if a door supervisor works without a valid badge?
Yes. Knowingly using unlicensed security personnel is a serious offence carrying up to 5 years imprisonment. Even unknowing use can result in a licensing review against the premises licence. Verify every badge before every shift.
Stay compliant with PSI Act 2001
Paddl makes regulatory compliance simple. Digital records, automated reminders, and audit-ready documentation - all in one platform built for UK hospitality.