Stronger protections for SIA whistleblowing

The SIA has become a prescribed person under the Public Interest Disclosure Act, which will give workers greater legal protection when whistleblowing to the SIA.

Workers who report wrongdoing in the private security industry to the SIA will have greater legal protection if they face unfair treatment or dismissal because they make a disclosure to the SIA.

Protected disclosures could include reporting unlicensed security, suspected fraudulent activity and other criminal offences, as well as other non-compliance and risks to public safety.

The SIA has published new whistleblowing guidance which includes how to make a disclosure.

Michelle Russell, SIA Chief Executive said: "All those who work in private security should feel confident that when they speak up to raise concerns, they are heard and supported. We expect security companies to create an environment where concerns can be raised openly, looked into fairly and issues addressed promptly.

"The SIA cannot carry out its role effectively as the security regulator without the help of people prepared to call out wrongdoing and step forward to provide us with details of what they have seen. Today’s changes mean workers are, quite rightly, protected in law when making whistleblowing disclosures to the SIA.

"By supporting those who speak up, collectively the SIA, employers and those in the private security industry will root out criminality, improve standards and ultimately strengthen public trust in private security and those who work to protect the public and premises across the UK."