SIA Licence

The SIA (Security Industry Authority) licence is the legal requirement for anyone working in a frontline security role in the UK. Without one, a guard cannot legally carry out that work, and hiring an unlicensed guard exposes your business to legal liability and possible insurance problems. Static guards, door supervisors, and CCTV operators all need the licence type that matches their role. Checking whether a guard or company is licensed takes under a minute using the SIA's

Quick answer: Hiring a security guard in London comes down to four steps: work out what kind of cover you actually need (static guard, mobile patrol, or concierge-style cover), check the company is properly licensed and insured, ask the right questions before you sign anything, and make sure the contract spells out hours, cover for absences, and how incidents get reported. Most reputable providers can have a guard on site within 48–72 hours once terms are agreed. Costs vary d