SIA stands for the Security Industry Authority. They are the organisation that regulates the private security industry, laying out standards that the sector has to meet with. There are two main ways in which the SIA do this:

1. The SIA licensed security personnel to work in the industry. This could include security guarding, door supervision, CCTV, general surveillance, and more. This process is part of the regulations and ensures that individuals working in security are properly trained and fit for purpose.
2. They run a scheme called the Approved Contractor Scheme. This is voluntary but it serves a very important function. It sets out a number of standards that security companies should be meeting and when they achieve this, they will be given Approved Contractor status.

What does this mean for you as a security professional? It’s important you and the company you work for meet the standards set out by the SIA. This ensures a safer security industry for all.