Security Industry Authority
On 3 October we announced an investigation into the instances of poor training standards and fraudulent practices uncovered by the BBCs File on 4 programme. We have asked File on 4 for any further evidence they have that may assist our investigation.
The public safety role of SIA licence holders means that the quality and integrity of the training they receive at the start of their career is critical. We are determined to ensure poor practices are rooted out and support the majority who operate to good standards.
Over the past month we have worked closely with Ofqual and the awarding organisations of SIA licence-linked qualifications to address the concerns highlighted. Ofqual regulates qualifications, examinations, and assessments in England. Awarding organisations approve training providers and quality assure the examination process.
The relevant awarding organisations have suspended the two training centres featured in the File on 4 programme and they can no longer offer licence-linked qualifications. One of the centres is now the subject of an SIA criminal investigation. We have already suspended the licence of one individual recorded on the programme.
We have also been in discussion with Ofqual on the risks to safe delivery of qualifications in the private security sector. Ofqual is currently conducting a review of the awarding organisations arrangements. We are holding regular joint meetings with Ofqual and the awarding organisations to ensure that we take a co-ordinated approach.
We have continued to carry out unannounced visits to training providers and remain on track to meet our planned target of 125 visits during the current financial year.
We are speaking with government colleagues about File on 4s findings, to identify any further actions that can be taken. We are working with the qualification regulators and awarding organisations across the UK to ensure all allegations of training malpractice are investigated. We encourage anyone with information about training malpractice to report their concerns:
- Find out how you report training malpractice
- Report security staff or companies to the Security Industry Authority (SIA)
Longer term, we will continue to work with the qualification regulators, the UK Government, and other partners to ensure that current regulatory arrangements in the private security industry training sector are fit for purpose. This is an important part of protecting the integrity of a licence held by over 400,000 individuals across the UK.
We will continue to provide updates on our progress as appropriate.
More information about the parties involved in delivering SIA licence-linked training is available from our Learn about SIA licence-