Buyer's checklist

A security buyer's checklist for UK sites

Check the licences first

In the UK, the Private Security Industry Act 2001 makes certain security work a licensable activity, and the Security Industry Authority (SIA) runs the licensing. That covers roles such as security guarding, door supervision, close protection, cash and valuables in transit, public space surveillance using CCTV, and key holding. It applies to work done under a contract for services, so in-house staff usually don't need a licence, although door supervision at licensed premises is an exception.

Ask for each officer's licence details, then look them up yourself on the SIA public register of licence holders. It's a public register, so you can check any officer yourself.

Ask about approved contractor status

The SIA also runs the Approved Contractor Scheme, which is voluntary for security companies. Approved firms have been assessed against a set standard, so it's a useful thing to ask about when you compare quotes. You can read how it works on the GOV.UK scheme page.

Ask how staff are screened

BS 7858 is the British Standard for security screening of people working in a secure environment. Ask a supplier whether their staff are screened to it, and what that covered.

Get the site assessment in writing

A good supplier will want to walk the site before quoting. Ask for the risks they found, the hours and duties they propose, and how they'll report incidents to you, so you can compare quotes like for like.

If you run CCTV, the duties are yours

If your cameras capture people, you'll normally have data protection duties as the organisation in charge of the system. The ICO's guidance on video surveillance sets out what's expected, including signs and keeping footage secure.

Read the contract before you sign

Check the notice period, how charge rates change over the term, what insurance the supplier holds and what happens if an officer doesn't turn up. Those details are usually where the real cost of a contract shows up.

A note on this guide

This is general information, not legal or professional advice. Rules change, so please check the official sources we link to before you make a decision.