New SIA Licence Rules Require First Aid Training: What Security Professionals Need to Know
As the world around us rapidly changes, so does the role of the security professional.
Whether we’re talking about proactive crowd management or emergency incident response, security staff are often first on scene and must be well-equipped to handle whatever is unfolding.
In recognition of this, the Security Industry Authority (SIA) announced a change to its licensing rules earlier this year.
In this blog, we look at what this means for security professionals, employers and training providers. Let’s go!
What Are the New SIA Licence Rules?
As of April 2025, first aid training is no longer a nice-to-have for Door Supervisor and Security Guard license renewals – it’s mandatory.
The SIA has mandated a new ‘refresher’ training course for these roles. Before starting this refresher training, every applicant must hold a valid Emergency First Aid at Work (EFAW) qualification.
Security staff tend to be on scene way before medical assistance arrives. Effective training equips individuals across the sector with a consistent set of life-saving skills, enabling them to act quickly and competently in an emergency.
Why Did the SIA Make This Change?
There are several reasons for SIA’s change in requirements. Let’s take a closer look.
Public Safety
Security professionals work in high-risk environments. They are often the first to respond to medical incidents or emergencies. Training that equips them with the knowledge, confidence, and competence to provide life-saving care can make an enormous impact in those first few moments.
Elevating Standards
The SIA is on a mission to raise the standard of professionalism and competence across the security industry. These new rules make first aid a core requirement for license renewal and form part of their ongoing efforts.
Responding to an Evolving Role
The role of the modern security professional is more than just offering protection. Their duty extends to supporting public safety and reassurance as well as incident response.
What First Aid Qualification Is Required?
To meet the new SIA requirements, applicants must hold a valid first aid qualification for at least 12 months before they begin their licence-linked training.
The minimum standard is the Emergency First Aid at Work (EFAW) qualification. Other equivalents that pass the mark include the First Aid at Work (FAW) and other Level 3 regulated qualifications.
By holding a relevant qualification for a year before beginning SIA-mandated refresher training, candidates’ knowledge and skills are sure to be up to date.
Who Do the New Rules Affect?
The new rules apply to both new applicants and existing licence holders:
- All individuals applying for a new Door Supervisor or Security Guard licence must hold a first-aid qualification for 1 year before they begin their main training.
- Anyone renewing their licence must complete a refresher course. A current Emergency First Aid at Work (EFAW) certificate is required to complete this.
A Positive Change for the Industry
The SIA’s new requirements aren’t just about compliance. They are designed to raise standards across the sector:
- Security professionals benefit from enhanced skills, improving their employability and opening up a wider pool of job opportunities. Their confidence in handling emergencies is also significantly increased.
- The public can feel safer knowing that security professionals are better equipped to provide immediate assistance in an emergency.
- Employers gain a more protected workforce, a significantly reduced liability to shoulder and an improved reputation for care.
How Envesca Can Help Security Professionals
At Envesca, we offer approved first-aid training that meets the SIA’s requirements. From EFAW to more advanced qualifications, we provide in-depth knowledge and support, equipping candidates with the know-how to meet their role requirements with confidence.
Level 3 First Aid at Work is one of Envesca’s interactive courses. Set over 3 days, this course covers the skills required to provide basic life support, as well as information on diagnosing and treating a wide range of injuries and illnesses, and the legal requirements for first aid provision.
All of our training courses are delivered by experienced trainers who provide relevant, scenario-based learning to ensure skills are not just learned, but mastered.
Securing Your Service: First Aid For SIA Professionals
The SIA’s new rules make first aid skills a key part of professional competence in the security sector. The change in requirements will ensure that security staff are fully equipped to protect people, both proactively and in an emergency.
Explore Envesca’s SIA-compliant first aid courses and get in touch today.
The Ultimate First Aid Checklist
If you are an appointed person or first aider for your company you should carry out regular checks of your business to ensure that your first aid facilities are up to date. This comprehensive checklist will help you ensure you have everything covered! Get your FREE copy now.
If you’ve got a question or query, please contact our super friendly team, they will be delighted to help you!
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Here at Envesca we believe that we are good at giving proactive, sensible and useful advice. Below you will find some free resources that you can download on a host of subjects that will help you and your business.
Training Available
Envesca offer a number of different training courses, which offer advice and guidance on these topics.
Qualsafe Level 3 Award in First Aid at Work Annual Refresher
This half-day practical first aid annual refresher course provides first aiders with an opportunity to practise and refresh their knowledge and practical first aid skills.Qualsafe Level 3 Award in Emergency First Aid Course
This one-day first aid course will provide you with the necessary knowledge and practical skills you need to administer emergency first aid in the workplace.Qualsafe Level 3 Award in First Aid at Work
This three-day course will provide you with the knowledge and skills required to give basic life support, diagnose and treat a wide range of injuries or illnesses.Qualsafe Level 3 Award in First Aid at Work Requalification
This two-day Level 3 First Aid at Work Requalification course will update your knowledge of both the practical and theoretical parts of first aid at work.Share this article with your social Community.
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