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: The SIA have made a marked improvement with their call centre and can be contacted on 0844 892 1025 (08.00 to 20.00 Monday to Friday). They can also be contacted by email but it could take 10 days before you get a reply.
Apply for a licence: 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. 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. Put your complaint in writing either by sending a letter to the SIA OR E-Mail them OR send a Fax.The SIA will look into the points that you raise and offer an explanation.
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.
The SIA is encouraging ‘Whistle-
Message from SIA: We will not now continue to develop the licensing of security consultants until late 2007, by which time we will have researched this sector more thoroughly. If, following further research, we determine that some, or all, of the security consultant sector may require regulation; we would not anticipate publishing proposals on this until 2010 at the earliest.
Be Aware: Courses are being offered/marketed by some training providers suggesting that they will be recognised by the SIA as required training towards a Security Consultants licence. This is not true. The message above from the SIA is quite clear. The SIA has yet to decide what direction they will go with regards to this area of licensing, The SIA may decide not to licence this area at all! Therefore any money you spend on training may not assist you to get a Security Consultants Licence, should the SIA introduce them in the future. We recommend that if you want to get involved in this area of work you should approach a respected Security Company and find out if they would consider employing you as a security consultant, and if not what training or experience you would need before they would consider giving you work.
Message from SIA: We have been working extensively with stakeholders across the private investigator sector for the last twelve months to identify licensing proposals for consultation in a Regulatory Impact Assessment (RIA). The options for licensing were due for publication by the Home Office in early 2006. However, publication of the RIA is now likely to be delayed and the Home Office is presently unable to confirm a publication date.
If you are not happy with the reply, you should write again to the Chief Executive of the SIA. He has to investigate further and respond. If you remain unsatisfied you should to then write again and ask for the matter to be escalated to the Chairman of the SIA. The SIA must acknowledge all your correspondence and respond within 10 working days of receipt. You are entitled to seek independent legal advice at any time. The local Citizens Advice Bureau will be able to assist in deciding who to contact. Their locations and telephone numbers can be found in the local telephone directory. If you believe that you are not getting a satisfactory answer then you should email your local MP outlining your complaint. His name and email address can be found on the Parliament web site.