Planning security for a large event involves more than just hiring enough people — it’s also about assigning the right staff to the right roles. One way to make the most of your team is through SIA license integration.
Licence integration allows some SIA licences to cover more than one security role. Understanding how this works can help you run a safer, more efficient event while keeping costs down.
What Does Licence Integration Mean?
Licence integration means that specific Security Industry Authority (SIA) licences grant the holder permission to perform multiple types of duties. In other words, one licence may cover several different tasks, which reduces the need for additional staff or licences.
This doesn’t apply to every SIA licence, but where it does, it allows you to use your licensed team more flexibly.
Common SIA Licence Types and Their Overlap
The SIA issues different licences based on the specific type of security work. For events, the most common licence types include:
- Door Supervisor Licence
- Security Guarding Licence
- Close Protection Licence
- Public Space Surveillance (CCTV) Licence
How they overlap:
- A Close Protection Licence encompasses the duties of a door supervisor, a security guard, and specific CCTV applications.
- A Door Supervisor Licence covers general guarding duties and some CCTV functions (not public space surveillance).
- A Security Guarding Licence permits guarding duties and the use of CCTV to protect property, but not surveillance in public areas.
Knowing this overlap helps you assign multi-role duties to one person legally, thereby reducing duplication.
Where Licence Integration Helps Most
Licence integration is beneficial when:
- Staff need to switch duties during the event.
- Your response teams cover multiple zones.
- Crowd-facing staff may later need to support backstage.
- CCTV operators need to join foot patrols later in the day.
Having the proper licence in place means you can legally reassign roles without breaking SIA rules.
Practical Examples
1. Performer Escort & Guest Screening
A close protection officer may escort VIPS during setup and then move to the front gate to assist with screening guests.
2. CCTV Monitoring & Perimeter Patrol
A door supervisor might start the shift monitoring live camera feeds and later patrol fencing once the event begins.
3. Stage Area Security & Crowd Management
A door supervisor could secure the stage area early on, then support the rapid response team as crowds increase.
These scenarios minimise downtime and ensure that every licensed team member contributes throughout the day.
How to Use Licence Integration Properly
To make license integration work for you, it’s important to stay organised and compliant.
Key steps:
- Check licence types using the SIA Licence Checker
- Match tasks to licence permissions — never assume overlap.
- Create shift plans that show role changes throughout the event.
- Brief all staff on what their licence allows and when they can switch roles.
- Train supervisors to manage transitions on-site.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Assuming all licences are equal
A CCTV licence does not allow someone to act as a door supervisor. Always double-check duties and licence requirements. - Using the wrong license for public space surveillance
If someone monitors public areas (e.g. a park or festival field) via CCTV, they must hold a Public Space Surveillance (CCTV) licence, not just a standard CCTV or guarding licence.
Why This Matters for Event Planners
With rising costs and tight deadlines, event planners are under pressure to do more with less. Licence integration gives you the flexibility to:
- Reduce the number of licensed staff needed.
- Improve team responsiveness.
- Manage shift changes more easily.
- Ensure full compliance with SIA legislation.
Getting it wrong could result in:
- Staff working outside their legal authority.
- Fines or prosecution for non-compliance.
- Insurance complications if something goes wrong.
Summary
Licence integration is a smart way to build a more agile, compliant event security team. By understanding what each SIA licence covers — and where overlaps exist — you can reduce costs and improve staff scheduling without compromising safety.
- Check licence permissions
- Plan role changes in advance
- Keep your team briefed and ready
Done right, license integration helps you deliver a well-run event that’s legal, flexible, and secure.
