SIA cracks down on training malpractice

Pete Easterbrook, interim SIA Director of Inspections and Enforcement, has provided an update on the Authority’s efforts to combat training malpractice in the private security sector.

In his statement published on 12 May 2025 by the Security Industry Authority, he emphasized that the agency is determined to push its remit to the limit in order to root out poor practices and support those who maintain high standards. This update reflects a collaborative initiative with UK qualification regulators and awarding organisations to eliminate any malpractice within the sector.

Over the past three months, the SIA has conducted 35 unannounced visits to training providers nationwide, with 12 of these inspections stemming directly from intelligence suggesting malpractice.

In response to reported issues, the SIA has worked closely with awarding organisations, which have subsequently withdrawn their approval for licence-linked qualifications from five training centres.

Moreover, the Authority has issued a total of 81 action points to various providers identified as needing significant improvements.

Additionally, in meetings with chief executives from six awarding organisations, new procedures were agreed upon to prevent providers from evading sanctions by shifting between awarding bodies once approval has been withdrawn due to malpractice or mismanagement.

Unannounced visits to training providers in Manchester, conducted alongside colleagues from the Home Office’s Public Protection Unit, have provided insights that are now informing the work of the sponsorship department to improve quality and reduce both training and examination malpractice.

Mr Easterbrook also highlighted a significant incident from the end of April in East London, where an unannounced inspection—conducted on the basis of intelligence and in conjunction with an awarding organisation—uncovered malpractice that led to the swift suspension of the provider from delivering licence-linked qualifications.

Although inquiries are still ongoing to determine the full extent of the malpractice, the SIA has made it clear that any suspicion of malpractice will prompt immediate and decisive action.