Credit checks on SIA licence holders
Published 20 July 2021
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1. Request
A friend of mine is working for a company that is asking to do a credit check on him claiming it to be something to do with the SIA saying that apparently “if you’re not in debt then you are more trusted”. I was just wondering if you are doing this in general as it doesn’t seem like it’s quite right. He has worked with them for almost 2 years. If this is a new thing that you’re doing would it be optional or compulsory?
2. Response
I confirm that we hold specific information that addresses your query.
If an individual applies for an SIA licence, we pass that person’s name and address history to Experian in order to validate and verify the details provided.
This is explained in the SIA’s privacy policy at paragraph 2.13.
The SIA does not undertake credit checks on persons applying for an SIA licence or those who hold an SIA licence.
This requirement appears to have been implemented by the security company and is not connected to an SIA requirement.
[Reference: FOI 0256]