Hiring the right security staff is one of the most important decisions a business can make. Whether you are running a venue, organising an event, managing a retail operation or protecting a corporate environment, the quality of your security personnel directly affects the safety of your people, your premises and your reputation.
In the UK, anyone working in the security industry in a licensable role must hold a valid SIA licence — issued by the Security Industry Authority. Hiring unlicensed security staff is not just a legal risk, it is a serious liability. This guide walks you through everything you need to know.
"Hiring unlicensed security staff in the UK is a criminal offence under the Private Security Industry Act 2001 and can result in unlimited fines and prosecution for the business owner."
The Security Industry Authority (SIA) is the government body responsible for regulating the private security industry in the UK. An SIA licence is a legal requirement for anyone working in a licensable security role, including:
Each licence is specific to the role. A door supervisor licence does not automatically authorise the holder to work as a close protection officer. Always verify that the licence type matches the role you are hiring for.
Many businesses make the mistake of trying to recruit security staff directly, either through job boards or word of mouth. While this can occasionally work, it carries significant risks around licence verification, background checks and compliance.
A specialist security recruitment agency like Empire Recruitment Solutions handles all of this on your behalf. Here is what we do before any staff member is placed with a client:
"Every member of staff placed by Empire Recruitment Solutions has been fully vetted, licence-verified and background-checked before they set foot on your premises."
The most commonly requested security role. Door supervisors manage access to licensed premises, conduct searches, maintain order and respond to incidents. They are required at any licensed venue including pubs, nightclubs, restaurants and concert venues.
Large scale events require dedicated security teams capable of managing crowds, controlling access points and coordinating with emergency services. Our event security teams are experienced in both indoor and outdoor environments — from corporate conferences to music festivals.
For high profile individuals, executives or anyone requiring personal protection, our close protection officers provide discreet, professional security. All close protection staff hold specialist SIA licences and are trained in threat assessment and emergency response.
Retail environments face unique challenges including shoplifting, fraud and aggressive behaviour. Our retail security officers are trained in loss prevention, customer interaction and incident management, helping protect your stock and your staff.
Before any security worker starts on your premises you have a legal responsibility to ensure they hold a valid SIA licence. You can verify any licence for free at sia.homeoffice.gov.uk. When checking look for:
When you hire through Empire Recruitment Solutions we carry out all of these checks automatically as part of our vetting process, so you never have to worry about compliance.
The cost of hiring SIA licensed security staff in the UK varies depending on the role, location, hours and level of experience required. As a general guide for 2026:
Hiring through a reputable agency includes the cost of vetting, compliance management, payroll, insurance and ongoing support — meaning the total cost of compliance is often lower than hiring directly when all factors are considered.
Tell us your requirements and we will match you with fully vetted, SIA licensed security professionals — fast turnaround, fully compliant.
Yes — anyone working in a licensable security role in the UK must hold a valid SIA licence. Hiring unlicensed staff is a criminal offence under the Private Security Industry Act 2001.
We aim to fulfil standard staffing requests within 24 to 48 hours. For urgent or same-day requirements please contact us directly and we will do our best to accommodate your needs.
Absolutely. We provide security staff for both one-off events and ongoing long-term contracts. Whether you need two door supervisors for a private party or a full team for a large festival, we can help.
We provide SIA licensed security staff across the United Kingdom including London, the North East, Birmingham, Manchester, Leeds and surrounding areas.
You can verify any SIA licence for free at sia.homeoffice.gov.uk. When you hire through Empire Recruitment Solutions we carry out this verification automatically as part of our standard vetting process.
Hiring the right security staff does not have to be complicated. Empire Recruitment Solutions makes the process simple, fast and fully compliant — from your first enquiry to the moment your staff arrive on site.
Whether you need a single door supervisor for a weekend event or a full security team for ongoing operations, we are here to help. Request staff today or contact our team to discuss your requirements.
