For more information visit the SIA web site.
The Security Industry Authority (SIA) was formed to manage the licensing of the private security industry as set out in the Private Security Industry Act 2001. It aims to raise standards of professionalism and skills within the private security industry and to promote and spread best practice.
Licensing for anyone providing Close Protection came into effect across England and Wales on 20 March 2006 (Scotland on 1st November 2007 and Northern Ireland on 1st December 2009); it is now illegal to work in Close Protection without a Security Industry Authority licence. This applies to contract staff only. You should be aware that if you are CP trained and have applied for your CP licence you are still not legally allowed to work until you actually get the licence.
If you do work without a licence you will be committing a criminal offence, punishable on conviction by a fine of up to £5,000 or 6 months imprisonment or both.
Someone will report you - especially if they think you are taking their work without forking out mega bucks to get licence.
A WORD OF WARNING -
If you hold a CP licence then you must be aware of the the law -