From 1st April 2025, all security professionals – both security guards and door supervisors – who want to renew their SIA licence will need to complete new mandatory SIA training. These updates are crucial for ensuring you remain equipped with the skills necessary to handle the challenges of modern security work. Whether you’re a security guards or door supervisor, it’s crucial to understand how these important changes to SIA training affect you.
At Region Security Guarding, we’re committed to helping you stay ahead of the curve, so here’s a clear breakdown of the new requirements and why they matter for your career.
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What Are the Key Changes?
The new SIA training has been designed to refresh and update the skills you need to keep the public safe. Both security guards and door supervisors will need to complete specific training modules, and it’s important to know which areas are relevant to your role.
For Door Supervisors
If you’re a door supervisor, the updates SIA training will focus on:
- Conducting Searches: This module will cover how to safely and effectively carry out searches in compliance with current laws and regulations, particularly in high-risk environments like nightclubs or events.
- Physical Intervention: You’ll undergo refreshed training on how to handle physical confrontations or disputes. This is a key skill for door supervisors, especially in roles that involve managing crowds or dealing with potentially aggressive individuals.
- Protecting Vulnerable People: With increasing concerns about issues like spiking, this module focuses on identifying and protecting vulnerable individuals, such as those under the influence of drugs or alcohol, ensuring their safety.
- Terror Threat Awareness (ACT/You Can ACT certificate): You’ll be trained in recognising and responding to potential terror threats. This includes earning an ACT certification, which is designed to give you the knowledge to respond quickly and efficiently in a crisis.
For Security Guards
For security guards, the updated SIA training includes:
- Conducting Searches: Similar to door supervisors, you’ll receive updated training on how to carry out thorough and lawful searches, whether that’s in a retail setting, at a construction site, or elsewhere.
- Terror Threat Awareness (ACT/You Can ACT certificate): As with door supervisors, you’ll need to complete training on recognising and managing terror threats, helping you stay vigilant in protecting the public from potential dangers.
- Protecting Vulnerable People: Whether you’re working in a shopping centre, warehouse, or office building, this module is crucial for understanding how to identify and assist vulnerable individuals who may need protection.
For Both Roles
In addition to the role-specific training, both door supervisors and security guards will need to present an up-to-date Emergency First Aid certificate. This is a mandatory part of the renewal process and ensures you have the necessary skills to provide life-saving assistance when needed.
Why Are These Changes Important?
The private security sector faces evolving challenges, and the skills that were sufficient a few years ago may no longer be enough to keep people safe. The Security Industry Authority (SIA) has introduced these updates to ensure all security professionals are ready to meet the demands of today’s world.
Tony Holyland, Head of Individual Standards at the SIA, summed it up perfectly:
“We know that skills can fade over time, which is why the training being rolled out today is so important. This is about raising the standards in private security and refreshing those fundamental skills to help security operatives deal with the ever-changing threats of the modern world.”
At Region Security Guarding, we believe these changes reflect the growing complexity of the security landscape. Whether you’re working in construction, retail, or hospitality, staying up to date with the latest SIA training will not only help you perform better in your role but also give your clients confidence that their safety is in capable hands.
What Are Your Options for Licence Renewal?
For door supervisors, you can choose one of two options:
- Complete the door supervisor refresher training and renew your door supervisor licence.
- Complete the security guard refresher training and switch to a security guard licence, if that better aligns with your career goals.
For security guards, simply complete the security guard refresher training to renew your licence.
Don’t Wait – Get Ahead of the April 2025 Deadline
The updated training courses are available now, and we strongly recommend booking your training early to avoid any last-minute disruptions to your work. Accredited training providers across the country are offering these refresher courses, giving you plenty of time to prepare before the 1st April 2025 deadline.
At Region Security Guarding, we’re already working with our team to ensure they’re fully prepared and compliant with these new standards. If you have any questions about how these changes affect your or need help finding a training provider, feel free to contact us. We’re here to support you through this transition and ensure you’re fully equipped to maintain your licence and continue your career.
Read more about the changes on the official UK Government website.
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