The Security Industry Authority (SIA) – the UK’s private security industry regulator – is encouraging everyone to show their appreciation to security operatives on International Security Officers’ Day, which takes place annually on 24 July.
This follows a reception at the House of Lords (22 July 2024) to mark 20 years of SIA licensing. The anniversary event was sponsored by The Baroness Meacher, the first Chair of the SIA.
The event was attended by SIA front line licence holders who were nominated by their peers in the private security industry for their contributions to improving standards in security and supporting public safety.
Among those invited to attend were Jamie Mcmullen and Claire Devitt.
Jamie is a door supervisor licence holder from Merseyside, now working for Network Rail. Jamie saved a teenager with special educational needs and disabilities from serious harm after the boy left his wheelchair and fell onto the tracks at Liverpool Central station. Jamie’s quick reactions, halting an incoming train and calling for assistance, were praised by his former employer, Carlisle Support Services.
Claire is a security guarding licence holder from Cumbria, who intervened after spotting a distressed woman attempting to jump from a multi-story car park. Clare held onto the woman and supported her until Cumbria Police arrived. Clare was praised by her employer, Securitas, for her exceptional courage and compassion, going beyond duty to save a life.
Heather Baily, current Chair of the SIA, said:
It is especially fitting to mark the anniversary of SIA licensing as we approach International Security Officers’ Day 2024. The date 24/7 reminds all of us about the important role of private security in protecting people and property, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
The stories we have heard from the SIA front line licence holders who joined us at the House of Lords are an inspiration to us all. They reflect the experiences of many others working in private security at various locations such as music concerts, sporting events, hospitals, pubs and clubs, and retail premises.
Michelle Russell, Chief Executive of the SIA, added:
If you encounter someone working in private security on 24/7 – please do smile, say hello and thank them. A simple greeting can go a long way in showing your appreciation to the people who work all hours, and sometimes in all weathers, to keep us safe.
On International Security Officers Day, Heather will be in London and Michelle will be in Manchester with the City Security Council, to meet private security operatives working on the front line with the public, and in control rooms, to thank them for the important role they do.
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Notes to editors
About the 20th anniversary reception event
The SIA 20th anniversary reception event at the House of Lords on 22 July 2024 marked 20 years of SIA licensing and was sponsored by The Baroness Meacher, the first Chair of the SIA (2002 to 2003).
The speakers at the event were Lady Meacher, Heather Baily and Michelle Russell.
You can read more case studies from SIA licence holders invited to attend on the 20th anniversary pages of the SIA blog.
About International Security Officers’ Day
International Security Officers’ Day is held each year on 24 July to represent the 24/7 nature of security work.
Members of the public are encouraged to acknowledge any security operatives they see on the day. Some simple things you can do to show your appreciation include saying hello or thank you, with a smile.
Security business owners and managers are also encouraged to acknowledge their front-line workers. Examples of how security companies are marking the occasion include: sending thank you messages to their staff, organising an event or site visit to say thank you in person, and acknowledging their officers on social media.
The SIA will be sharing real life stories from SIA licence holders across its communications channels to show members of the public how they can go about their daily lives, and enjoy the things they love to do, in places they feel safe, thanks to the work of private security.
About SIA licensing
People need an SIA licence in the UK if the work they will be doing is part of a ‘contract for services’ and involves carrying out a ‘licensable activity’. This means that a person, or their employer has a contract to supply private security services to another organisation and the activity is covered by the law – specifically, the Private Security Industry Act 2001.
There are now nearly half a million active licences across the UK (over 493,000), held by over 439,000 licence holders. These are the highest ever figures since licensing began.
Front line licence holders are people who personally perform a licensable activity as part of their job.
Further information
The Security Industry Authority is the regulator of the UK’s private security industry. Our purpose is to protect the public through effective regulation of the private security industry and working with partners to raise standards across the sector. We are responsible for licensing people who do certain jobs in the private security industry and for approving private security companies who wish to be part of the voluntary ‘Approved Contractor Scheme’. We are marking 20 years since we were set up in 2003 and issued the first SIA licences in April 2004.
The SIA is an executive non-departmental public body, sponsored by the Home Office. For more information, visit: www.gov.uk/sia.
You can also find us on LinkedIn @Security Industry Authority, Facebook @theSIAUK, YouTube @TheSIAUK and X (formerly known as Twitter) @SIAuk.
