The Security Industry Authority reminds the private security industry of their responsibilities under the Equality Act

The Security Industry Authority (SIA) is today reminding the private security industry to treat everyone with dignity and respect as set out in the Equality Act (2010).

This advice follows reports in the media of people being denied entry or ejected from venues operating in the night time economy based on their race, religion, sexual orientation, gender reassignment or disability.

Chief Executive of the SIA, Alan Clamp, said:

"We want to remind the industry that there is a legal responsibility on providers of private security services to ensure that they comply with the Equality Act (2010). This is true for their own recruitment purposes and for when they are interacting with members of the public."

The Equality Act 2010 places a duty on all individuals and businesses not to unlawfully discriminate against people on the basis of:  

• Age
• Race
• Religion
• Sexual orientation
• Disability
• Gender Reassignment

As the regulator of the UK's private security industry, the SIA will do what it can to help the industry meet these obligations.  It will be issuing guidance (as and when it is ready) to address particular aspects of equality.

The first piece of guidance is for people with disabilities on working within the private security industry.  Disabled people are under-represented in the industry, and this guide provides more information on the opportunities available to them.

Guidance has also been created for door supervisors to ensure that trans customers have a safe and enjoyable time out.  This is intended to help security staff to provide a fair and safe environment, free from discrimination and prejudice.

Click on the links to view the publications on the SIA website:

Working in the Private Security Industry: A guide for disabled people

Trans Customers: A guide for door supervisors  

Ends

Notes to Editors:

1. By law, security operatives working under contract must hold and display a valid SIA licence.

The Private Security Industry Act 2001 is available online via:http://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/2001/12/contents 

2. The Equality Act 2010 is a piece of legislation that pulls together numerous anti-discrimination acts and regulations.  For further information please see https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/2010/15/contents and related links.

Further information:

The Security Industry Authority is the organisation responsible for regulating the private security industry in the United Kingdom, reporting to the Home Secretary under the terms of the Private Security Industry Act 2001. The SIA's main duties are: the compulsory licensing of individuals undertaking designated activities; and managing the voluntary Approved Contractor Scheme.

For further information about the Security Industry Authority or to sign up for email updates visit:www.sia.homeoffice.gov.uk. The SIA is also on Facebook (Security Industry Authority) and Twitter (@SIAuk).

Media enquiriesonlyplease contact:

Security Industry Authority

0300 123 9869

media.enquiries@sia.gsi.gov.uk

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