Background or criminal record checks play a crucial role in the hiring process for any employer or company, and the length of time it takes to be carried out can often depend on range of things. So, if you are looking to apply or renew an SIA licence, the SIA will need to carry out a check on you.
This is done by submitting what is known as a ‘Disclosure Request’ to one of the UK’s three leading bodies: Disclosure Scotland, Access NI (Scotland) and the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS).
So, before you think of sending off your SIA application and await receipt of a shiny new badge, read these 5 helpful tips that’ll speed up the process and get you working sooner!
Read carefully
The SIA may send you a request form to fill in and return. Ensure you read all the information carefully before putting pen to paper. Making a mistake could delay you!
Apply for the right form
If asked to submit a disclosure request through the Access NI website, make sure you ask for a standard disclosure. Select either a basic disclosure or an enhanced disclosure, both will be refused and asking for the wrong one will mean getting charged the fee Access NI normally charge the SIA. So, choose wisely!
Overseas applicants or non-UK residents
If you live overseas or have spent six continuous months outside the UK in the last 5 years, make sure you visit the Overseas Criminal Records page on the SIA website before you apply. You will need to get criminal record checks from the relevant country or countries you have lived in. This can take quite a bit of time, so make sure you visit the page before making an application
Beware of other checks!
All of the above may not be enough. Be mindful that there are other checks that the SIA will consider which could land you in hot water. One of those checks will be for identity. If you cannot verify who you say you are, expect a firm ‘no’ from the SIA. The other is your qualification. You must be able to provide record it otherwise it’ll be a ‘no’ again.
Don’t lose faith
If you do possess a criminal record and feel you stand no chance of getting a licence, don’t be quick to jump to conclusions. If something flags up the SIA will access the nature of the record and see whether there is a pattern of ‘bad behaviour’ and decide if you are a potential risk to the public. So, depending on circumstances there’s still a chance!
On a final note, it’s worth mentioning that assessing criminality is something that isn’t done by machine. An officer will thoroughly review each application received, and an average of 12,000 are received every month! Poor guy.
How to work in the security sector
If you are interested in working in the security sector, whether it be as a Door Supervisor, Security Guard or CCTV Operative, you will need to obtain a SIA Licence.
To obtain a SIA Licence, you will need to complete a course. Once you have completed the course, will you then be able to apply for an SIA Licence and work in the security sector.
Looking for jobs?
To find the latest security jobs, check out our Jobs Board, which has 1,000+ jobs from the UK’s best security companies.
If you’re on the hunt for a security job on the go, download the GuardPass app for all the latest jobs and more. The GuardPass App is available for download on the Apple App Store or on the Google Play Store.
