Hiring security guards is a serious responsibility. Yet many UK businesses — often unknowingly — put themselves at risk by using non-SIA licensed security guards. Whether it’s to cut costs, fill shifts quickly, or due to poor vetting, employing unlicensed guards can lead to legal penalties, invalid insurance, reputational damage, and serious safety risks.
In the UK, most frontline security roles legally require an SIA licence. Ignoring this requirement doesn’t just affect the guard — the business itself can be held liable.
This guide explains what SIA licensing means, what happens if you use non-licensed guards, and how to protect your business by working with a fully compliant security company like H&D Security.
What SIA Licensing Means
The Security Industry Authority (SIA) is the UK body responsible for regulating the private security industry.
An SIA licence confirms that a security guard has:
- Passed identity and right-to-work checks
- Undergone criminal background screening
- Completed approved training
- Met legal and professional standards
Roles that require an SIA licence include:
- Manned guarding
- Static security guards
- Door supervisors
- Mobile patrol officers
- CCTV operators (public space)
- Close protection officers
If a guard is performing licensable activity without a valid SIA licence, they are operating illegally.
Businesses looking to hire compliant guards should always use an
👉 SIA approved security company like H&D Security.
Legal and Financial Risks of Using Non-Licensed Guards
Using non-SIA licensed guards exposes businesses to serious consequences.
1. Criminal Offences and Fines
It is a criminal offence under UK law to:
- Work as a licensable security guard without an SIA licence
- Employ or deploy an unlicensed guard
Penalties can include:
- Unlimited fines
- Criminal prosecution
- Court proceedings
- Enforcement action against the business
2. Business Liability and Prosecution
If an incident occurs involving an unlicensed guard:
- The business can be prosecuted, not just the guard
- Directors or managers may be held responsible
- “I didn’t know” is not a legal defence
This is why businesses increasingly choose fully vetted, licensed guarding services from providers such as H&D Security.
3. Reputational Damage
Once non-compliance is discovered:
- Contracts can be terminated
- Clients may lose trust
- Audits and supplier reviews may fail
- Negative publicity can follow
For commercial clients, compliance failures often mean immediate loss of work.
Impact on Insurance and Liability
Insurance is one of the most overlooked risks when using non-licensed guards.
What insurers expect:
- Guards must be SIA licensed
- Services must be delivered by a compliant security provider
- Proper vetting and training must be in place
What happens if guards aren’t licensed:
- Insurance claims may be rejected
- Public liability cover may be invalid
- Employers’ liability protection may fail
- Businesses may face full financial exposure
In the event of theft, injury, or property damage, insurers often check whether guards were legally licensed — and deny claims if they were not.
Using a compliant provider such as H&D Security’s licensed guarding services
protects both your people and your insurance position.
How to Verify SIA Compliance
Every business has a responsibility to verify that guards are properly licensed.
How to check an SIA licence:
- Ask to see the physical SIA licence badge
- Check the licence number
- Verify it on the official SIA online register
- Confirm the licence covers the correct role
- Ensure the licence is in date
If a provider hesitates or avoids sharing licence details, that’s a red flag.
The safest approach is to work with a security company that handles all vetting, licensing, and compliance for you — such as H&D Security.
H&D Security Compliance Standards
At H&D Security, compliance isn’t optional — it’s fundamental.
Our compliance standards include:
- 100% SIA licensed security officers
- Licence checks before every deployment
- Ongoing compliance audits
- Role-specific SIA licensing
- Full right-to-work verification
- Insured and vetted personnel
- Transparent documentation for clients
We ensure every guard deployed meets legal, insurance, and client requirements — without shortcuts.
If you need compliant guarding for your site, you can request a tailored solution via Get a Quote from H&D Security.
FAQs: SIA Licensing Explained
How do I check if a security guard has an SIA licence?
You can check a guard’s licence using the SIA public register. The licence number should match the individual and the role being performed.
Who is liable if a non-licensed guard is used?
Both the guard and the business can be held liable. Employers, site managers, and directors may face legal consequences if they knowingly or unknowingly deploy unlicensed guards.
Are all security roles legally required to be SIA licensed?
Most frontline security roles are licensable. If in doubt, always assume licensing is required and verify with a professional security provider.
Can insurance be invalidated by non-licensed guards?
Yes. Many insurance policies explicitly require SIA licensed security personnel. Non-compliance can invalidate cover.
Why should I use an SIA approved security company?
An SIA approved and compliant company:
- Protects you legally
- Protects your insurance
- Reduces risk
- Ensures professional standards
- Provides peace of mind
Final Thoughts: Compliance Is Not Optional
Using non-SIA licensed guards may seem like a shortcut — but it’s one that can cost your business far more than it saves. Legal penalties, rejected insurance claims, and reputational damage are risks no business should take.
Choosing a fully compliant, SIA licensed security provider protects your people, property, and reputation.
Learn more about compliant guarding at H&D Security
Request a compliant security solution via Get a Quote
