A new “Code of conduct” from SIA is looking to change the UK security sector as the organisation looks to change how a licence holder will work and operate in 2020.
The security sector is one of the fastest-growing industries in the UK, with an average growth of 11% each year and contributes roughly £6 billion towards the UK economy.
With over 412,000 licenced security operatives in the UK the statutory organisation responsible for regulating the private security industry are looking to implement a new code of conduct where SIA Licence holder will need to adhere to as part of their licencing agreement.
The code of conduct, which is currently being drafted, is in its early stages, is being written with consultation from some of the UK’s leading experts in security.
What Will The New Code of Conduct Include?
The concept of the code of conduct will be centred around the behaviour of those who are SIA Licenced who currently work in the security sector.
The official code of conduct will set out to outline specific guidelines and protocols which including a specific standard of decorum and how they should respond to different security scenarios.
Doesn’t the SIA already have a Code of Conduct?
Actually No. While the SIA does have a “Standards of Behaviour” requirement that licence holders must follow, it is also very vague. The current standards do not paint a clear picture of how to respond to particular situations.
This current vague approach as resulted in some incidents where it was not clear that the “fit and proper” expectation of a licence holder was. This resulted in situations where public safety was put at risk and put the security industry in the UK under scrutiny.
So What Happens Now?
SIA are inviting licence holders and security operatives who are currently working in the industry to help with the consultation of the “Code of Conduct”.
You can have your say on the draft by taking part in their survey, which is due to end on Sunday 23rd February.
After consultation and feedback from the industry, SIA will publish as a report where the research from the consultation will be available.
The code of conduct will then be written based on further feedback before a final version is submitted for approval by Home Office ministers.
