23rd December 2007
Application Status Checker
Our new application status checker is in a test phase and the information it currently provides is therefore limited. However, it will allow you to confirm whether or not we have received your application. Information shown in the status checker will be updated throughout the Christmas and New Year period.
It normally takes around six weeks for each application to be processed; this time starts from when a correctly completed application form is received (when we receive a correctly-completed application form we will write to you to let you know). However, due to recent disruptions to postal services and because of the bank holiday period, the process is likely to take 6-9 weeks.
Complex applications (for example, applications subject to Criminal Records Bureau or qualification enquiries and those requiring overseas criminality checks) may take longer than this. Please note: our contact centre is currently experiencing very high call levels, so please don't call us unless you are sure there is a problem with your application. Thank you for your patience.
A correctly completed application will only appear on the status checker when we have checked it and scanned it on to our system. This process is currently taking approximately five working days. Please allow for this when checking on the progress of your application.
Some applications received recently might not appear on the status checker. However, please be assured that we have been processing all applications using manual systems where necessary.
Please note: clicking the button below will transfer you to our secure server, which will open in a new window. You must be using Internet Explorer 6 (service pack 1) or above, or Netscape 7.02 for the new site to display properly. You can return to this site by closing the new window.
15th December 2007
Postal Strikes Affect SIA Licensing
October's industrial action by members of the Communication Workers Union continued to affect the processing of SIA licence applications throughout November - and is still doing so.
We depend upon the receipt of information (e.g. CRB disclosures, overseas criminality certificates or additional information from applicants) to process applications. Processing times for applications will have been affected where such information was delayed by the strike.
In particular, a drop in the number of CRB disclosures received has made us aware that some have been delayed twice: once when our requests were sent out, and then again when the response was sent back to us. This is a result of a second round of strikes by Liverpool members of the CWU (our processing centre is based in Liverpool, as is the Criminal Records Bureau).
Other correspondence (for example: applications sent to us, application forms sent out by us, stamped receipts for ACS companies) may also have been affected while Royal Mail worked to clear their backlog.
Every effort will be taken to minimise the effect of the strikes, but delays of two to four weeks may be experienced.
7th December 2007
Edexcel Recall of Close Protection Exam Certificates
Qualifications awarding body Edexcel has discovered that a number of candidates have been wrongly issued with BTEC Level 3 Close Protection certificates. This is the result of an error in their systems.
Edexcel notified the Qualification and Curriculum Authority (its regulator) and the Security Industry Authority (SIA) as soon as it discovered the error. Edexcel has now written to all of the candidates concerned to explain the situation.
Each of the candidates successfully completed their assessed portfolio and practical assessments but failed to pass the theoretical element of the qualification.
Edexcel is offering each candidate a re-sit of the theoretical assessment at no extra cost, and is offering additional support where appropriate.
For holders of an SIA Close Protection licence it is essential that a full Level 3 certificate is attained. The SIA is contacting those Close Protection licence holders affected, to inform them that their certificates have been cancelled by Edexcel and that consequently the SIA is minded to revoke their licence.
The SIA is asking those involved to contact them within 21 days to share their plans to retake the theoretical assessment. On passing the re-sit, Edexcel will issue candidates with a new certificate and the SIA will cease the licence revocation.
Those who fail to pass their re-assessment will have their licences revoked.
Any enquiries relating to the certificate recall should be directed to Edexcel: www.edexcel.org.uk or 020 7190 5191.
7th December 2007
Festive Spice Hits Inverness
Last week, a team of Investigators from the Security Industry Authority (SIA) visited door staff and security guards working at licensed premises and security sites in Inverness to check compliance under the Private Security Industry Act 2001.
The visits were part of the nationwide multi-agency campaign Festive Spice, which sees SIA investigators working alongside partners to carry out weekend checks on door staff at licensed premises during the run-up to the busy Christmas and New Year period.
On 29th and 30th November, officers from the Northern Constabulary supported SIA Investigators checking 13 sites around Inverness. Of the 16 operatives checked, 11 individuals were issued with warnings under Section 3 of the Private Security Industry Act 2001 (working without an SIA licence). 5 operatives were deployed lawfully and were displaying their SIA licences.
Jenny Pattinson, an SIA Head of Investigation said:
"Security guards and door staff who work without an SIA licence, and those deploying them, are committing an offence and it is disappointing that the majority of those checked were not complying with the law.
The security industry and night-time economy are growing and important sectors in Scotland. SIA licence holders are qualified and professional operatives and there is no longer a role for amateurs."
Inspector Bob Pollock, at Northern Constabulary said:
"We were extremely disappointed to find that 69% of those operatives checked during the joint Police, SIA operation were found to be working without an SIA licence. The provision of door stewards assists in the maintenance of public order and safety, and the purpose in having trained, registered door stewards is to provide the public with a service in which they can have confidence and trust. We would therefore join with our colleagues at the SIA in urging licensees to be certain that they are operating within the law when employing door stewards for their own, their customers, and the public's benefit."
Licensees are urged to check that their security suppliers operate within the law. SIA licences can be checked through the Register of Licence Holders on our website. You can also check the validity of a licence by calling 0844 892 1025 and selecting option 1 (you will need to enter the 16-digit licence number in order to check a licence in this way).
It is an offence to work as a door supervisor (in house and contract) in Great Britain without an SIA licence. A Door Supervisor licence is required if manned guarding activities are undertaken in relation to licensed premises.
The maximum penalty for committing an offence such as working without a licence or employing unlicensed staff is six months' imprisonment and/or fine up to £5,000 (or trial on indictment to crown court, whereby an unlimited find and/or five years' imprisonment could be imposed.
SIA News Archive December 2007
SIA News Archive November 2007
SIA News Archive October/September 2007
