SIA begins process of gaining PIDA prescribed person status

The Security Industry Authority (SIA) has begun the formal process to become a prescribed person under the Public Interest Disclosure Act 1998 (PIDA), a change that would give private security workers stronger legal protection when reporting wrongdoing.

A Statutory Instrument laid before Parliament on 1 May 2026 confirms that—subject to final scrutiny—the SIA is expected to gain prescribed person status from 2 June 2026.

SIA Chief Executive Michelle Russell said the move addresses a long‑standing gap in whistleblowing protections within the private security sector. She said the new status will “support those who speak up about wrongdoing in the private security industry, giving them greater legal protection when they raise genuine concerns with us.”

If approved, the change will allow security operatives to make protected disclosures directly to the SIA about unlawful activity or malpractice. Workers who raise concerns with a prescribed person are legally protected from dismissal or detriment, provided their disclosure meets PIDA’s criteria.

The SIA said it will publish further information and detailed guidance ahead of the commencement date to help workers and employers understand how the new arrangements will operate.