SIA Licence Changes 2027: What They Mean for Security in Kent
Security training and licensing requirements are expected to change during 2027 following a major consultation by the Security Industry Authority (SIA).
The proposals cover first aid, physical intervention, counter-terrorism awareness, incident recording, spiking awareness, English language skills and awareness of Martyn’s Law. These changes could affect security officers, employers, venues, event organisers and businesses hiring security across Kent and the wider South East.
The SIA consultation is open until 11:59pm on 23 October 2026. The final qualification specifications are expected to be published later in 2026, with new licence-linked qualifications planned for 2027.
At the time of writing, these are proposals rather than final rules. However, businesses and security professionals can start preparing now.
What is changing?
The SIA is consulting on updates to the qualifications linked to front-line security licences. These qualifications help demonstrate that individuals have the knowledge and skills required to work safely in the private security industry.
The proposed changes include:
A valid first aid certificate becoming an ongoing licence condition for security guards, door supervisors and close protection operatives
Updated first aid training designed around incidents security professionals may encounter
Stronger physical intervention and conflict-management training
Refreshed counter-terrorism awareness training
New content covering incident recording and crime scene preservation
Wider spiking awareness training
Awareness of Martyn’s Law and the Protect Duty
Possible changes to English language assessment
Further consideration of trainer and qualification standards
The SIA has said the proposals are based on research and engagement with licence holders, employers, training providers, buyers of security and other stakeholders.
The official consultation is available on GOV.UK.
First aid could become a continuous licence condition
One of the most important proposed changes is the treatment of first aid qualifications.
At present, security guards, door supervisors and close protection operatives generally need an appropriate first aid qualification before completing the training required for their licence. The certificate also needs to meet the SIA’s current validity requirements.
The proposal would go further by making an in-date first aid certificate a continuing condition of the licence.
This means a licence holder could be expected to maintain a valid first aid qualification throughout the period of their licence, rather than only holding one when they first complete their training.
For security professionals, this makes monitoring expiry dates particularly important. Allowing a first aid certificate to lapse could potentially affect their ability to work lawfully.
For employers and clients, it will become increasingly important to check not only whether an officer holds the correct SIA licence, but also whether their first aid qualification remains valid.
The SIA is also proposing a new security-specific first aid qualification. This could focus more closely on the types of incidents that security professionals may encounter at events, commercial premises, licensed venues and public spaces.
The SIA reports that first aid is already considered important by most licence holders, with many having used their training while working.
What does this mean for security guards?
Security guards are likely to see changes to both training content and practical expectations.
The proposals include more emphasis on real-life conflict-management situations. This reflects the increasing levels of violence and challenging behaviour encountered in some security roles, particularly in retail, commercial and public-facing environments.
The SIA is also consulting on stronger physical intervention standards. This includes a proposed advanced, post-licence standard for higher-risk deployments and a question about whether that advanced training should be voluntary or compulsory.
For security guards, the direction of travel is clear: physical intervention, communication and decision-making skills are likely to receive more attention.
However, the final requirements have not yet been confirmed. The consultation does not mean that every security guard must immediately repeat their existing training.
Security professionals should wait for the final SIA specifications and guidance before booking additional courses. In the meantime, maintaining current qualifications, keeping first aid valid and working with an approved training provider are sensible steps.
Updated counter-terrorism and Martyn’s Law awareness
Security staff often play an important role in recognising concerns, reporting suspicious behaviour and supporting emergency procedures.
The proposed changes include refreshed counter-terrorism awareness training, developed with policing partners. This is intended to give security professionals a clearer understanding of how to respond to potential threats and support public safety.
The proposed qualification content also includes awareness of Martyn’s Law, officially known as the Terrorism (Protection of Premises) Act 2025.
Martyn’s Law is expected to introduce new responsibilities for certain public premises and events, with implementation currently expected in spring 2027. The exact commencement date and guidance should continue to be checked through official sources.
For event organisers in Kent, this may be particularly relevant to festivals, concerts, sporting events, public performances and larger corporate gatherings.
Security officers may be involved in practical arrangements such as:
Access control
Monitoring queues and gathering points
Reporting suspicious behaviour or items
Supporting evacuation or invacuation procedures
Managing movement around a site
Communicating with event control
Helping protect restricted areas
Our guide to Martyn’s Law and event preparation in Kent explains some of the practical steps organisers can begin considering.
Incident recording and crime scene preservation
Another important proposal is stronger training on recording incidents and preserving potential crime scenes.
Security officers may be the first people to deal with an incident. Their actions can affect how well information is later understood by a client, the police or another investigating organisation.
Good incident recording should be:
Factual
Clear
Timely
Objective
Detailed enough to explain what happened
Careful to distinguish observations from assumptions
Officers may also need to understand the importance of preserving evidence, protecting the scene and recording who has entered or handled relevant areas.
For clients, this should encourage a closer look at reporting standards when appointing security. A security team should not only provide a visible presence. It should also provide useful information after an incident.
Businesses and event organisers should ask potential providers:
How are incidents recorded?
Who reviews reports?
How are serious incidents escalated?
Are officers briefed on evidence preservation?
Will the client receive a written report?
How quickly will urgent concerns be communicated?
This is relevant across Kent, whether security is being provided at an office, warehouse, construction site, festival, television production or private event.
Spiking awareness will be extended
Spiking awareness is already part of some security training. The proposed changes would extend this content to security guarding and CCTV operator qualifications, rather than focusing only on areas such as door supervision and close protection.
This reflects the fact that spiking concerns can arise in a range of public and commercial environments.
Security teams may need to understand how to:
Recognise possible signs of spiking
Respond professionally and sensitively
Support a person who may be at risk
Notify supervisors or emergency services
Record relevant information accurately
Avoid making assumptions
Preserve potential evidence where appropriate
For event organisers and venues, this reinforces the need for clear reporting routes and properly briefed staff. Security officers, stewards, bar staff, medical teams and event control should understand how their responsibilities fit together.
What existing SIA licence holders should expect
Existing licence holders should not assume they will need to repeat their full qualification from the beginning.
The expected approach is that current licence holders will continue working under the existing arrangements until the new requirements take effect. When a licence is renewed, some officers may need to complete a shorter top-up, refresher or additional assessment covering the updated content.
The exact process will depend on the final SIA specifications and implementation arrangements.
Security professionals should:
Check when their SIA licence expires.
Check when their first aid qualification expires.
Keep copies of certificates and training records.
Use an approved training provider.
Follow updates published by the SIA.
Avoid relying on social media summaries or outdated course information.
Ask their employer how upcoming changes may affect assignments.
The SIA’s current guidance on training required for an SIA licence explains the existing qualification process and approved training arrangements.
What should businesses hiring security do now?
Businesses do not need to wait for the final rules before reviewing their current arrangements.
When hiring security in Kent or the South East, clients should consider including the following in their procurement checks:
Confirmation that officers hold the correct SIA licence for the work
Confirmation that licences are current
Evidence that first aid qualifications are in date
Relevant experience for the assignment
Clear incident reporting arrangements
Counter-terrorism and emergency procedure briefings
Experience with access control and crowd management
A clear escalation process for serious incidents
Contingency arrangements if an officer is unavailable
A review process after the assignment
The requirements for a festival will not be identical to those for an office, construction site or television production. Security planning should reflect the location, people present, operating hours and realistic risks.
Our guide on choosing a security company in Kent includes further questions to ask before appointing a provider.
How Askew Security Group can help
At Askew Security Group, we believe effective security starts with preparation, professionalism and clear communication.
For clients in Kent and the wider South East, this means understanding the assignment before officers arrive, checking the right skills and licences are in place, and making sure security arrangements support the wider operation.
Our experience includes commercial security, events, Royal Ascot and television production environments. This helps us understand the different pressures faced by businesses, event organisers and production teams.
Whether you require event security, access control, site security or support for a TV or film production, we can discuss your requirements and help identify practical arrangements.
Final thoughts
The proposed SIA changes are intended to raise standards and ensure security professionals are prepared for modern risks.
For officers, the main priorities are keeping first aid qualifications current, monitoring licence renewal dates and staying informed about new training requirements.
For clients, the changes are a reminder to look beyond the hourly rate when hiring security. The right questions should cover licensing, first aid, communication, incident recording, emergency response and relevant experience.
The consultation closes on 23 October 2026. The final rules may change before the new qualifications are introduced in 2027, so businesses and security professionals should continue checking the latest SIA information on GOV.UK.
This article provides general information based on the SIA consultation published in August 2026. The proposals are not final requirements. Always check the latest official guidance before making training, licensing or procurement decisions.
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