About the security industry

The private security industry has moved a long way since the days of night watchmen warming their hands at a brazier and simple alarm systems that rang a bell mounted on a factory wall.

Today approximately half a million people are employed in security roles in the private security sector, and the security industry contributes approximately £6 billion to the economy of the UK. It works closely with the police service and provides many of the non-core functions that were previously undertaken by police officers but for which police powers are unnecessary.

A large proportion, though not all, of the workforce is regulated by the Security Industry Authority (SIA), which draws its powers from the Private Security Industry Act 2001. The SIA is responsible for licensing individuals working in specified security roles, and requires those people to prove their identity and address, obtain formal qualifications and submit to a criminal records check before being considered for a licence to work.

The private security sector encompasses a wide variety of security occupations, ranging from the traditional uniformed security officer to highly skilled technicians installing security systems alarms:-

Biometrics technicians
Cash & Valuables in Transit Cash Processors
CCTV Operators
Close Protection Officers
Community Wardens
Contract Bailiffs
Door Supervisors
Event Security Staff
Locksmiths
Private Investigators
Security Consultants
Security Dog Handlers
Security Officers/Security Managers
Security and Fire Systems Installers
Technical Security Countermeasures operatives.

While most security staff are supplied under contract from specialist suppliers, there are also a considerable number who are directly employed and a smaller number who are self employed. Security companies range in size from multi-national corporations operating across the world to small local service providers. Please click here for more information about careers in security.

If you are thinking that it is still a male-dominated industry, you may be surprised to learn that women are represented at all levels from operational roles to Chief Executives and Board level Directors. Have a look at the profiles below and read the views of some of the women who work in the industry.

Annemarie Chebib Bernadette Duncan Caroline McEwan-Smith

Clare Fentham Elizabeth Palicza Tracy Bond

National Occupational Standards are in place for all security roles, and all security personnel receive security training, some of which is linked to formal security qualifications. Further information will be found in the "Security training and Security Qualifications" pages of this website.

Upcoming

Date	Details	Location

About the security industry

Upcoming

Related News

Related Questions

Related Links