Can You Use A Foreign Security Licence In The UK?

With talk of Brexit currently dominating every conservation, much has been made about transferable licences, and whether licences earned abroad are legally useable in the UK.

While freedom of movement may allow EU Nationals to move freely to countries within the European Union (until 31^st October) does it allow transferable licences to be used within the UK?

Is my foreign security licence valid in the UK?

You will be breaking the law and may face a fine, and even a prison sentence if you work in the UK without an SIA licence, even if you hold a licence to work in the private security industry that was issued overseas.

Anyone working in the private security industry in the UK must have a valid SIA licence.

The Security Industry Authority is the statutory organisation responsible for regulating the private security industry in the UK. Having an SIA licence ensures that individuals working in the security industry are adequately trained, are vetted and have undergone full background checks, and meet the standards expected of regulated private security services.

I have a foreign security licence, will this help my SIA application

Applicants must enclose any overseas security licence they have obtained when they apply their SIA licence.

While not helping the process, it is a mandatory requirement to state any foreign licences obtained, failure to do so may hinder your application from being processed.

You must tell the SIA about the validity and conditions of your licence (for example what sector it allows you to work in and when it expires). If the SIA are not familiar with that licence, they may seek confirmation of the validity and conditions from the issuing authority.

To find out more about foreign security licences and how it affects your SIA application, please visit the Official Security Industry Authority Website.

How to work in the security sector

If you are interested in working in the security sector, whether it be as a Door Supervisor, Security Guard or CCTV Operative, you will need to obtain a SIA Licence.

To obtain a SIA Licence, you will need to complete a course. Once you have completed the course, will you then be able to apply for an SIA Licence and work in the security sector.

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