What Are The Rules For Displaying An SIA Licence Properly
The badge should be worn on the front of the body. The face must be outward. The name, photo, and number must not be obscured. A rigid holder or arm band reduces loss or damage. Lanyards are common. They should break away under load for safety. Winter layers should not hide the card. If needed, use a shoulder strap clip, chest pocket clip, or clear armband.
Storage matters. When off duty, place the licence in a secure location. A zipped pocket or lockable locker works. It should not be left on a dashboard, canteen table, or open bag. Heat, sunlight, and bending can deform the card. Keep it flat and cool. Do not laminate, punch holes, or mark the face. If damaged, request a replacement.
Do’s
Wear on the front of your uniform.
Use a rigid holder or clear armband.
Keep the face outward and unobstructed.
Store securely off duty.
Don’ts
Do not cover it with clothing or gear.
Do not clip it to the back of a belt.
Do not drill holes or deface it.
Do not leave it unattended in public areas.
Selling Point: Use our approved badge holders to meet SIA rules. They are secure, durable, and compliant for daily wear.
Table 1. Practical Display Rules By Scenario
| Scenario | What You Should Do | Common Pitfall To Avoid |
|---|
| Busy entrance search line | Wear on chest in rigid holder for quick visual checks | Badge swinging under coat or hi-vis that hides the face |
| Night shift outdoors | Clip to outermost layer before patrols | Badge left under fleece or rain jacket |
| Control room walk-through | Keep badge visible even during internal rounds | Lanyard turned backward so front is hidden |
| Breaks and meal times | Remove and secure off duty, then re-attach before duty resumes | Leaving badge on canteen table or in unlocked locker |
Why Must SIA Licences Be Displayed By Security Staff
Visibility builds confidence. People feel safer when they see a credential. Staff feel more confident when they know colleagues on shift are properly licensed and vetted. Clear display also deters misconduct. Operatives know that actions are linked to names and numbers. That accountability supports better behaviour and faster incident resolution.
Employers enforce display because it reduces risk. It protects contracts and reputation. It speeds compliance checks during audits and spot inspections. Most of all, it supports the basic promise of private security. The promise is simple. Trained, licensed staff will keep people and places safe.
How Visibility Adds Value
Builds public trust through transparency.
Supports fast verification by supervisors and police.
Deters misuse and reduces complaints.
Protects contract renewals and brand reputation.
Can An In-House Security Guard Wear An SIA Badge
Many in-house roles are exempt from licensing. In-house means you are employed directly by the organisation you protect. Because no contract for services exists, a licence is not usually required. There are two important exceptions. Door supervision at licensed premises still needs a licence. Vehicle immobilisation in Northern Ireland also needs a licence. If a licence is needed, front line display rules apply.
In practice, some in-house teams choose to train to the same standard and adopt badge display policies anyway. This can help with public trust, event operations, and local partnership work. It also helps when contracted staff and in-house staff work side by side. Clarity on who is licensed prevents confusion and conflict.
Key Points For In-House Teams
Most in-house roles do not require an SIA licence.
Door supervision at licensed premises does require one.
Vehicle immobilisation in Northern Ireland requires one.
When a licence is required, standard display rules apply.
Is It Illegal To Work In Security Without Holding An SIA Licence
If the work is a licensable activity supplied under a contract for services, a licence is required. Working without one is an offence. The employer who deploys unlicensed staff can face consequences as well. This is a core part of the regulatory system. It protects the public and keeps standards consistent. If you are unsure whether your task is licensable, check the activity against the official categories and clarify the employment model.
Enforcement applies in several ways. Licence checks happen on site and at events. Names are checked against the register. Photo identity is verified. If a person should be licensed and is not, investigators can act. You should not wait for an audit to discover a gap. Train supervisors to verify licences before shifts and at contract start.
What Counts As Licensable Activity
Door supervision at licensed premises.
Security guarding that involves protection of people or property.
Public space CCTV monitoring.
Close protection and cash and valuables in transit.
Vehicle immobilisation in Northern Ireland.
Who Needs To Display An SIA Licence In The Security Industry
Front line operatives display the badge. That includes door supervisors, security guards, public space CCTV operators, close protection operatives, and cash and valuables in transit staff. When they are on licensable duty, the front of the card should be visible. Non-front line licence holders do not wear a badge. They must still produce their licence on request by authorised people.
Different job types have different risks. Door supervision is public facing. Display reduces escalations at the door. Public space CCTV operators interact with the public less often. They still undergo checks and may be asked to produce a licence during an inspection. Close protection teams may work covertly. They carry the licence and produce it to authorised people when requested.
Display Summary
Front line cards are worn and visible.
Non-front line proofs are produced on request.
Covert work means carry, not display, when justified.
All staff must respond to authorised inspection.
Table 2. Display Requirements By Role
| Role | Display On Duty | Notes |
|---|
| Door Supervisor | Yes | Visible at all times while on duty |
| Security Guard | Yes | Visible on front of uniform |
| Public Space CCTV Operator | Yes | Display when on licensable duty on site |
| Close Protection | Usually yes | Covert operations may carry but not display |
| Cash And Valuables In Transit | Yes | Display during operational duties |
| Vehicle Immobiliser NI | Yes | NI specific licensable activity |
| Non-Front Line Managers | No | Produce proof on request only |
What Happens If An SIA Licence Is Not Displayed On Duty
Spot checks and regional inspections are carried out. Compliance officers may approach an operative, ask for details, and verify against the register. Failure to display raises a red flag. The investigator records the breach. They consider context and response. A warning may be issued. Persistent issues can trigger wider audits of a site or company. Contracts can be reviewed by clients who require strict compliance.
Long term consequences hurt careers. Warnings can weigh on future licence decisions. Repeated breaches can support suspension or revocation. Prosecution is possible in serious cases. The message is clear. Make display a habit. Supervisors should check at muster. Colleagues should remind each other when busy scenes make details easy to miss.
Likely Consequences
Verbal or written warnings.
Recorded non-compliance on audit files.
Licence suspension or revocation in serious cases.
Prosecution where justified by the facts.
How Can You Ensure Your Security Staff Are Following SIA Display Rules
Compliance is a system. It works when people, tools, and routines align. Start with training. Show staff exactly how to wear the badge on their uniform. Explain the exceptions, the reasons, and the risks. Build checks into daily patterns. Supervisors can do line-up scans at shift start. Random spot checks during the night keep standards high. Use signage in control rooms to remind teams.
Use technology and documentation. Keep a current licence list for each site. Add a column for “badge seen at muster”. Keep incident logs for display breaches. Show clients how you monitor compliance. This builds trust and reduces disputes when issues arise. It also helps during regulator inspections.
Employer Action List
Train staff on display, exceptions, and storage.
Check display at briefing and during patrols.
Keep licence lists and audit notes up to date.
Escalate repeated breaches to HR and contract leads.
Include display checks in supervisor app or checklist.
Selling Point: Ask for our free compliance checklist for supervisors. It helps keep staff covered and reputations intact.
What Should You Do If Someone Tries To Steal Your SIA Licence
Act at once. Move to safety first. Notify your supervisor. Record the incident and location. If the badge is taken or goes missing, report it quickly. You should tell the police when theft is suspected. Get a crime reference number. You should also report the loss or theft through your SIA online account. Request a replacement card. Do not attempt to work in a way that breaches display rules while waiting for a new card. If your employer is an Approved Contractor, they may authorise lawful temporary deployment only under strict rules and only where permitted.
Impersonation risk is real. A stolen badge can be misused. Fast reporting allows cancellation of the number and reduces harm. If you recover the card later, do not use it. Follow the replacement guidance. Store the new badge securely when off duty. Consider a rigid holder and a strong break-away lanyard to deter grab attempts on shift.
Immediate Steps
Prioritise safety, inform supervisor, and log the event.
Report theft to police and keep the reference number.
Report loss or theft to the SIA and request replacement.
If allowed, follow employer instructions for temporary cover.
