Private security regulator removes recognition of awarding body

The Security Industry Authority has taken the extraordinary step of withdrawing recognition from one of the largest awarding bodies that qualifies security workers, following an investigation that found systemic failures in the assessment of candidates, including evidence that qualifications were being awarded to people who had not demonstrated the required competence.

The decision means that approximately 12,000 security workers who were qualified through the awarding body will need to be reassessed if they wish to renew their licences, a process that could take months and that industry representatives warn could create a temporary shortage of licensed security staff in sectors including night-time hospitality, retail and events.

The SIA's investigation found that the awarding body had failed to ensure that assessments were conducted independently, that some trainers were effectively marking their own students' work, and that there was evidence of qualifications being issued without candidates having completed the required training. The regulator described the findings as "among the most serious" it had encountered.

The awarding body, which has not been named while it considers an appeal, said it was disappointed by the decision and was reviewing the SIA's findings. It has the right to challenge the decision through an independent tribunal.

The security industry, which employs approximately 400,000 licensed workers in the UK, has been under pressure to improve standards following several high-profile incidents, including failures in security at major events. The SIA said the decision demonstrated that it was prepared to take robust action where standards were not being met, and that the public should be confident in the integrity of the licensing system.