SIA Physical Intervention key terms

A formal authorisation issued by the Security Industry Authority that permits a person to work in a specified private security role in the UK.

A security role that the law says can only be carried out by a person holding a valid SIA licence, such as door supervision or close protection.

The category of security work a licence covers, for example door supervision, security guarding, close protection, or public space surveillance.

The SIA practice of issuing one licence that shows more than one sector on it, allowing the holder to work across those sectors.

A licence that allows the holder to work in licensed premises, controlling entry, keeping order, and protecting people and property.

A licence held by a person who personally carries out licensable security work, as opposed to managing or supervising others.

A licence for people who manage or supervise security staff but do not personally carry out licensable front line activity.

A person who currently holds a valid SIA licence and is therefore permitted to work in the sectors shown on that licence.

The date on which an SIA licence stops being valid, after which the holder may no longer carry out licensable activity until a new licence is granted.

The process of applying for a new licence before an existing one expires so the holder can keep working without a gap in cover.

The legal entitlement of a person to be employed or to work in the UK, which depends on their nationality and immigration status.

An official document such as a passport or driving licence used to prove who a person is when applying for a licence.

The process of checking that the identity documents supplied by an applicant are genuine, valid, and belong to that applicant.

The quality of a document being genuine and unaltered, confirmed by checking security features, issuing authority, and consistency of details.

A false document made to look like a genuine official document, which must be refused and reported when detected during checks.

A genuine document that has been altered, such as by changing a photograph or date, so that it no longer truthfully records the facts.

A recent official document, such as a utility bill or bank statement, showing the applicant's current residential address.

The rules a licence application photo must meet, including full-face view, plain background, and recent likeness, so identity can be confirmed.

The official SIA document, completed online or on paper, in which an applicant gives personal details and declares their suitability for a licence.

The charge payable to the SIA when submitting a licence application, which must be paid before the application is processed.

Extra documents sent with an application, such as qualification certificates or identity proofs, to show the applicant meets the licence requirements.

Proof that an applicant has passed the required SIA-approved training for the licence sector they are applying for.

A check of an applicant's police and court records, including cautions and convictions, to judge whether they are fit to hold a licence.

The public body that provides criminal record checks, often called a DBS check, used by the SIA to assess an applicant's background.

A criminal record check that shows only unspent convictions and conditional cautions, commonly used for licence suitability decisions.

A conviction that has not yet become spent under rehabilitation law and must therefore be declared and considered in a licence decision.

A conviction that, after a set period, no longer has to be declared under rehabilitation law and is normally disregarded in licence decisions.

The SIA's assessment of an applicant's criminal record and other police information to decide whether they pose a risk in security work.

The SIA's review of information suggesting an applicant's mental health may affect their ability to work safely and responsibly in security.

The legal test that an applicant is honest, reliable, and suitable to hold a licence, judged from criminal record, identity, and other relevant information.

A check of an applicant's permission to live and work in the UK, using official records or documents, before a licence can be granted.

A code an applicant gives to the SIA so their online immigration status can be viewed and their right to work confirmed.

A restriction or requirement attached to a licence, such as only working in certain sectors or providing updated information to the SIA.

A temporary withdrawal of a licence by the SIA, during which the holder must not carry out licensable activity pending a decision.

The permanent cancellation of a licence by the SIA, for example after a serious change in the holder's circumstances or conduct.

The duty of a licence holder to tell the SIA promptly about changes such as a new name, address, or criminal conviction.

An organisation approved by the SIA to deliver the qualification training that applicants must complete before applying for a licence.

The set of requirements an applicant must meet to be granted a licence, covering identity, qualifications, criminal record, and right to work.