FE

New Security Legislation

February 2007 will see the introduction of a new regulatory regime that is set to have a huge impact on the private security industry in Scotland. Following consultation, the Scottish Executive has decided that the remit of the Security Industry Authority (SIA) established by Westminster will be extended to include Scotland.

The SIA will bring the new regulations into effect and will be responsible for monitoring them. Securing property and protecting people has become a very serious business but the sector’s watchdog has warned that Scotland’s security industry is suffering from high levels of criminality, low professional standards and exploitative pay.

The main thrust of the changes are that those who supply or use private security personnel such as door stewards, security personnel and event stewards will have fresh responsibilities. This means that private security managers and private security personnel will require a national SIA licence to work in the industry. It will become a criminal offence to work without a licence by the end of 2007 and prosecution could lead to a substantial fine or even imprisonment and almost certainly the end of a career in the security industry. It will be necessary for the industry to have a core of trained and licensed staff in place in advance of the regulation coming into force as it is anticipated that some personnel may choose to leave the industry or may be unable to satisfy the SIA identity and criminal records check.

The Business Development Centre at Perth College recognised the importance of achieving an SIA licence in good time and working in partnership with Security Training Scotland will be offering courses beginning early in 2007. The aim of new training and qualifications is to increase the skills and professionalism of those employed in the industry and to raise standards of performance.

For more information contact:

The Business Development Centre on 01738 877333 or e-mail:
info.bdc@perth.uhi.ac.uk