FOI release

Why the SIA reduced its timeframes for notifying of changes

Published 13 April 2026

Request

I’m writing under the Freedom of Information Act 2000 to better understand the reasoning behind recent updates to SIA licence conditions. Specifically, I’m interested in the reference to “public safety” as the basis for reducing the period within which licence holders must notify the SIA of a change of name or address (to 2 and 7 days respectively).

If available, could you please provide:

• any data, research, or analysis used to support the view that shorter notification periods would improve public safety
• any internal or Home Office documents or risk assessments that discuss how this change contributes to public protection
• any equality or impact assessments that considered the effect of this change on licence holders

If no such documents or analyses exist, I’d appreciate confirmation of that as well.

I’m simply hoping to understand the rationale for the decision and the evidence base behind it.

Response

We confirm that the SIA holds this information.

On 17 September 2025, the Executive Director’s Group took a decision in respect of the timeframes for licence holders to meet licence conditions.

The decision taken was to:

• reduce the length of time allowed for informing the SIA from 21 calendar days to 2 calendar days if:

  • the licence holder’s licence card is lost or stolen
  • the licence holder received any convictions, cautions or warnings, or charges for relevant offences (this applies whether the offence is committed in the UK or another country)
  • the licence holder is being investigated by a public body for a relevant offence
  • there has been a change to the licence holder’s right to remain or work in the UK
  • any changes to the validity of a qualification or licence gained outside the UK on the basis of which the SIA has granted a licence
  • any disciplinary action taken or proposed to be taken against the licence holder in connection with a qualification or licence gained outside the UK on the basis of which the SIA has granted a licence

• reduce the length of time allowed for informing the SIA from 42 calendar days to 7 calendar days if:

  • the licence holder’s name or address has changed

Why the timeframes have changed

The timeframes selected no longer met best practice across government. For example, in July 2024, Transport for London (TfL) reduced the timeframe given to taxi and private hire drivers to notify of arrest and release, charge, caution, or conviction for any offence from 21 days down to 2 days. TfL took these steps following concerns about serious offences committed.

In respect of the reduction from 21 calendar days down to 2 calendar days, this was grounded in public safety. The SIA is of the view that the sooner we are made aware of an issue which may pose an ongoing risk to the public, the earlier we are able to take protective measures such as suspending a licence, imposing licencing conditions, or revoking a licence. Prompt reporting demonstrates a commitment by the SIA to maintaining high standards and public confidence in its abilities as a regulator. Timely reporting fosters a culture of responsibility and compliance within the private security industry and enables the SIA to work with its partner agencies in an efficient manner.

In respect of the reduction from 42 calendar to 7 calendar days it was felt that due to the reduction in use of the postal service and the progression of technology, licence holders can now easily notify the SIA of minor changes within a much shorter timeframe.

We confirm that an equality impact assessment was not carried out, however the process for notification has not changed and the SIA will consider individual requests for reasonable adjustments where a requester has identified why an adjustment is required and is supported by evidence (if needed).

[Ref FOI: 0591]