The British Security Industry Association (BSIA) claims private security organisations should prepare early for the proposed licensing and regulatory changes that will impact on the industry.
A phased transition preferred by Government and industry is set to begin in an attempt to reduce the burden of red tape and provide increased transparency and accountability for all companies that use private security personnel.
The move to a business licensing regime rather than the licensing of individual security employees is being rolled out from October 1 2013 onwards. It is predicted failure to adhere to the new scheme will become a criminal offence by April 2015.
Under the new regime, businesses will need to demonstrate they meet set criteria and comply with terms and conditions. The companies will be responsible for required checks on individuals, though the regulator would continue to undertake individual criminal checks.
Trevor Elliot, Director of Manpower and Membership Services at the BSIA, said the trade body is hopeful that licensable member companies will discuss the potential impact of the regulation changes with customers at an “early opportunity” to ensure they are fully prepared.
“Over the next couple of years, the regulatory landscape of the private security industry will change dramatically, and the legal responsibilities of both security companies and their customers will be affected,” he added.
“While it may take a while for these changes to become apparent to the end-user, early preparation is essential to ensure that companies procuring security personnel understand what’s changing, and what they need to do to ensure that they continue to operate within the law.”
The BSIA has launched a new online guide to assist end users and advise them how to make early preparations for the impact the regulation changes will have on their operations.
