The SIA admitted that they have made a number of errors in the introduction of the Close Protection licence. They are now trying hard to catch up. Here are some tips for anyone who is planning to apply for a licence:
Talking to the SIA: It is still difficult to talk to anyone at the SIA because of the heavy number of calls. On the other hand it is possible to communicate with them by email (see Link ‘How to make a complaint’) but could take 10 days before you get a reply.
Application Pack: To apply for an Application pack you must call the SIA on 08702 430 100 or apply ‘on-line’ at the SIA web site. Problems sending these out in 2006 have been solved so you should now get an application pack within 7 days. If you do not then your should contact the SIA.
Process Time: The SIA say that it takes about 8-12 weeks to process a licence but complex application could take longer. To ensure your application does not take longer than necessary ensure that your form is correctly completed (get a friend to check it before you send it); if it is returned then the whole process has to start again! Not all the delays are the direct fault of the SIA - some can be caused by CRB checks and others by EXDEXCEL failing to get exam numbers to the SIA. Once your application is in the ‘system then it is now possible to track its progress on the SIA Web Site (See Link ‘Licence Application Tracker’)
Complaints: Every Government Department is judged by the number of complaints that it gets. If you are having difficulty or problems getting a licence then you should make a complaint against the SIA. If you do not get a satisfactory answer then contact your MP. For more detail see Links ‘How to make a complaint’
SIA enforcement Approach to CP
SIA and Crimestoppers
Apply for an Application Pack
SIA Licence Application Tracker
SIA Application Status Checker
How to make a Complaint
SIA and Crimestoppers
Apply for an Application Pack
SIA Licence Application Tracker
SIA Application Status Checker
How to make a Complaint
Cost of a licence
On 6 April 2007 the Security Industry Authority (SIA) licence application fee rose from £190 to £245.
Reporting
The SIA is encouraging ‘Whistle-Blowers’ - see the SIA web site page about Crime Stoppers (Link below).
The SIA is encouraging ‘Whistle-
The SIA have been having some problems recently:
