SIA Guard UK Security Legislation 1 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which Act of Parliament established the Security Industry Authority (SIA) and created the licensing regime for private security operatives?
- The Security Services Act 1989
- The Private Security Industry Act 2001 (Correct answer)
- The Criminal Justice and Public Order Act 1994
- The Police Reform Act 2002
Correct answer: The Private Security Industry Act 2001
The Private Security Industry Act 2001 established the Security Industry Authority (SIA) and introduced compulsory licensing for those working in the private security industry, including door supervisors, security guards, CCTV operators, and others.
Question 2: Under the Private Security Industry Act 2001, who is legally required to hold a valid SIA licence when working as a security guard?
- Only security guards who work at night
- Any person working under contract as a security guard in a licensable conduct role, including both in-house and contract staff in designated roles (Correct answer)
- Only security guards employed directly by a security company
- Only security guards at airports and government buildings
Correct answer: Any person working under contract as a security guard in a licensable conduct role, including both in-house and contract staff in designated roles
The PSIA 2001 requires any person undertaking designated licensable activities (including security guarding) to hold a valid SIA licence. This applies to contract security staff; in-house security staff may hold a licence or work under an Approved Contractor Scheme (ACS) exemption.
Question 3: What is the minimum age requirement to apply for an SIA Security Guard licence?
- 16 years old
- 17 years old
- 18 years old (Correct answer)
- 21 years old
Correct answer: 18 years old
Applicants for an SIA Security Guard licence must be at least 18 years of age. They must also have the right to work in the UK and hold the relevant first aid and SIA-specified qualifications.
Question 4: Under what legislation can a constable (police officer) direct a security guard to take specific action or to stop a course of conduct?
- The Police and Criminal Evidence Act 1984 (PACE) only
- A police constable has general powers under common law and various statutes including PACE 1984 and the Police Act 1996 to direct and control civilians, including security staff, in the exercise of their duties (Correct answer)
- The Security Guard cannot be directed by police — only by their employer
- The Human Rights Act 1998
Correct answer: A police constable has general powers under common law and various statutes including PACE 1984 and the Police Act 1996 to direct and control civilians, including security staff, in the exercise of their duties
Police constables have a range of statutory and common law powers that allow them to direct civilians including security staff. Security guards must comply with lawful police directions. Obstruction of a police constable in the execution of their duty is a criminal offence under the Police Act 1996.
Question 5: The Equality Act 2010 prohibits security guards from discriminating against individuals on the basis of protected characteristics. Which of the following is NOT a protected characteristic under the Act?
- Race
- Religion or belief
- Political opinion (Correct answer)
- Disability
Correct answer: Political opinion
The Equality Act 2010's nine protected characteristics are: age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, sex, and sexual orientation. Political opinion is not a protected characteristic under the Equality Act 2010.
Question 6: Under the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974, what is the primary duty of a security guard's employer?
- To provide the security guard with a uniform
- To ensure, so far as is reasonably practicable, the health, safety, and welfare of their employees at work (Correct answer)
- To provide security guards with a vehicle for patrol
- To ensure security guards have at least 8 hours' rest between shifts
Correct answer: To ensure, so far as is reasonably practicable, the health, safety, and welfare of their employees at work
The Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974 (s.2) places a general duty on employers to ensure, so far as is reasonably practicable, the health, safety, and welfare at work of all their employees. This includes provision of safe systems of work, training, and appropriate equipment.
SIA Guard UK Security Legislation 1
Which Act of Parliament established the Security Industry Authority (SIA) and created the licensing regime for private security operatives?