SIA licence explained
The SIA was set up under the Private Security Industry Act 2001. To get a front-line licence, applicants usually need an approved training qualification for the licence type, and they go through identity and criminal record checks. Front-line licences normally last three years and must be renewed. Officers carry or wear their licence while working.
Working in a licensable role without a valid licence is a criminal offence, and so is supplying unlicensed people to do that work. Security companies check each officer's licence on the SIA's online register of licence holders and keep track of expiry dates.
The SIA also runs the voluntary Approved Contractor Scheme (ACS) for security companies. Rules change, so check current requirements with the SIA; this page is a general overview, not legal advice.
How ForceVera handles it
In ForceVera, officers can upload a photo of their SIA licence in the app, so a copy is kept on their profile alongside their sites and shifts. ForceVera does not check licences with the SIA or warn you before a licence expires; use the SIA's register for that.