Security Industry Authority gains new whistleblowing powers to further protect workers

Workers in the private security industry now have greater legal protection when reporting wrongdoing to the Security Industry Authority (SIA) following changes to whistleblowing legislation.

The SIA has been granted prescribed person status under the Public Interest Disclosure Act 1998, allowing workers to make protected disclosures directly to the regulator without fear of unfair treatment or dismissal.

The change follows the commencement of a statutory instrument laid before Parliament in May and means disclosures to the SIA now receive additional legal protections.

The new status covers reports relating to wrongdoing within the private security sector, including unlicensed security activity, suspected fraud, criminal offences, regulatory breaches and risks to public safety.

Workers can make disclosures anonymously or confidentially under the new arrangements.

The SIA said the change would strengthen efforts to identify malpractice and improve standards across the industry.

Michelle Russell, chief executive of the Security Industry Authority, 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.