Security industry geared up for licensing in Scotland

The private security industry is geared up for the implementation of regulation in Scotland and local businesses will benefit from the change, says the British Security Industry Association. From 1st November 2007, it will be illegal to work in certain designated security roles in Scotland without a licence. This includes working as a contract security officer or a cash-in-transit courier.

"The security industry has warmly welcomed the introduction of regulation in Scotland and has been gearing up for the changes for some time," says BSIA Chief Executive, David Dickinson. "The adoption of the Private Security Industry Act 2001 brings Scotland in line with England and Wales, where licensing has already been successfully introduced. It means that security professionals will have been trained and subject to a Criminal Record Bureau check before they are allowed to work."

"Regulation will bring a number of benefits for businesses across Scotland, removing a minority of rogue security firms from operation and increasing peace of mind that your business is being looked after by trained and licensed individuals. Licensing will bring increased professionalism in the industry and businesses will reap the rewards."

The BSIA, which represents quality security guarding companies that will be affected by the legislation, lobbied for regulation for well over a decade before the ratification of the Private Security Industry Act 2001. 21 BSIA security guarding companies operate in Scotland, covering guarding and cash handling services. For details of BSIA members that cover your area, click here.

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