SIA introduces mandatory refresher training and updated licence requirements

The Security Industry Authority (SIA) has introduced updated training requirements for security professionals renewing or applying for licences, including mandatory refresher qualifications and enhanced first aid standards. The changes are designed to ensure licence holders remain up to date with evolving legal, operational and public safety requirements.

The latest measures affect door supervisors, security guards and close protection operatives. For door supervisors and security guards, a refresher qualification became mandatory for licence renewal from 1 April 2025, while close protection operatives are now required to complete a refresher qualification before renewing their licences from 1 April 2026.

The SIA said the changes are intended to help security professionals maintain standards, adapt to new working practices, understand legislative developments and make effective use of emerging technologies, while continuing to protect the public.

Under the updated requirements, door supervisors and security guards must hold a valid Emergency First Aid at Work (EFAW) qualification, or an equivalent recognised certificate, before undertaking either full licence-linked training or refresher training. Accepted qualifications include First Aid at Work (FAW), First Person on Scene (FPOS) and First Response Emergency Care (FREC).

For close protection operatives, a higher standard applies. Applicants must complete a Level 3 first aid qualification or above before taking licence-linked training. Examples include Level 3 FAW, Level 3 FPOS and Level 3 FREC.

The regulator has also highlighted the flexibility available to existing licence holders. Door supervisors renewing their licences may opt to switch to a security guard licence by completing the relevant refresher training. Similarly, existing close protection licence holders can either renew their current licence through top-up training or move to a door supervisor licence by completing the appropriate refresher qualification.

The changes build on a wider programme of qualification updates introduced by the SIA in recent years, including revised training standards launched in 2021 and updated close protection qualifications introduced in 2022.

According to the SIA, the new training framework aims to ensure that people working in the private security industry possess the skills and knowledge required to meet modern security challenges and maintain high levels of public protection.