Private Security Industry Act 2001

The Security Industry Authority

1 The Security Industry Authority

(1) There shall be a body corporate to be known as the Security Industry Authority (in this Act referred to as “the Authority”).

(2) The functions of the Authority shall be—

(a) to carry out the functions relating to licensing and approvals that are conferred on it by this Act;

(b) to keep under review generally the provision of security industry services and other services involving the activities of security operatives;

(c) for the purpose of protecting the public, to monitor the activities and effectiveness of persons carrying on businesses providing any such services as are mentioned in paragraph (b);

(d) to ensure the carrying out of such inspections as it considers necessary of the activities and businesses of—

(i) persons engaged in licensable conduct; and

(ii) persons registered under section 14 as approved providers of security industry services;

(e) to set or approve standards of conduct, training and levels of supervision for adoption by—

(i) those who carry on businesses providing security industry services or other services involving the activities of security operatives; and

(ii) those who are employed for the purposes of such businesses;

(f) to make recommendations and proposals for the maintenance and improvement of standards in the provision of security industry services and other services involving the activities of security operatives;

(g) to keep under review the operation of this Act.

(3) The Authority may do anything that it considers is calculated to facilitate, or is incidental or conducive to, the carrying out of any of its functions.

(4) Without prejudice to subsection (3), the Authority may, for any purpose connected with the carrying out of its functions—

(a) make proposals to the Secretary of State for the modification of any provision contained in or made under this Act; and

(b) undertake, or arrange for or support (whether financially or otherwise), the carrying out of research relating to the provision of security industry services and of other services involving the activities of security operatives.

(5) The Authority shall not be regarded—

(a) as the servant or agent of the Crown; or

(b) as enjoying any status, immunity or privilege of the Crown;

and the property of the Authority shall not be regarded as property of, or property held on behalf of, the Crown.

(6) Schedule 1 (which makes provision about the Authority) shall have effect.

2 Directions etc. by the Secretary of State

(1) In carrying out its functions the Authority shall comply with any general or specific directions given to it in writing by the Secretary of State.

(2) Before giving directions under subsection (1), the Secretary of State shall consult the Authority.

(3) The Authority shall provide the Secretary of State with such information about its activities as he may request.