New Responsible Buyer’s Charter launched as SIA opens six‑week consultation

The Security Industry Authority (SIA) has launched a six‑week informal consultation on its new draft Responsible Buyer’s Charter, unveiled yesterday at the Security Journal UK Conference in Manchester. The charter—developed collaboratively by the SIA’s Buyers Special Interest Group (SIG)—aims to raise standards across the private security industry by setting out clear expectations for informed, transparent and responsible security purchasing. The consultation runs until 7 August 2026.

The draft charter brings together expertise from procurement specialists, insurers, security businesses, regulators and security purchasers. Its purpose is to create a shared framework that supports ethical buying practices, sustainability, and improved outcomes for security personnel, including fair pay, wellbeing and professional recognition. The SIA says the initiative is designed to help professionalise the sector and strengthen public protection by ensuring buyers prioritise quality and accountability.

An SIA spokesperson said the charter represents “a significant step towards embedding responsible purchasing across the industry, ensuring buyers have a clear, practical framework that supports high standards and public safety.”

The SIA is inviting buyers of private security, security companies, membership bodies and wider stakeholders to review the draft and provide feedback. Responses will be considered by the Buyers SIG, with a final version of the charter expected later this year.