News Article
Latest News
Links for latest security information
SIA Launches Telephone Licence Renewal Service
26 March 2012
A telephone renewals service that allows SIA licence holders to renew without having to complete an application form has been launched today [26 March].
The improved licence renewal service has been introduced in response to customer feedback, and is available for anyone renewing a licence, or applying for an additional licence in another sector, who:
-Is renewing, or already holds, a current SIA licence;
-Has previously supplied a passport, a UK digital passport number, or a UK driving licence;
-Has kept their name and address details up to date; and
-Will pay the licence fee by debit or credit card.
During the telephone conversation, applicants will be asked to confirm their details, make a declaration that the information provided is accurate and make a card payment for the licence application fee. The whole process should take around 15 minutes and means that no application form or documents need to be completed and sent.
The SIA will then complete the required checks, including requesting a criminal record check, before making a decision on the licence application and, if granted, issuing the licence.
SIA assistant director of Customer Services and Quality Improvement Christy Hopkins said:
"This is part of our drive to simplify and modernise our customer services. Customers have told us they think renewing their licence should be more straightforward and we've listened. The telephone service will make the renewal application quicker for licence holders but it is just one of the improvements we are making to our service. Later this year we plan to launch a fully online renewals service which will make it easier for companies to renew on behalf of their staff."
Notes to Editors:
-The service is available by telephoning 0844 892 1025 between 8am and 8pm Monday to Friday.
-The SIA aims to process a minimum of 80% of all correctly completed applications within 25 working days.
-The SIA is working in consultation with the industry to draw up plans for a "phased transition to a new regulatory regime" announced by the Government in 2010. Future regulation is subject to approval by Parliament and the Northern Ireland/ Scotland devolved administrations, but focuses on the licensing of businesses as well as the registration of individuals.
It remains a criminal offence for security operatives and those deploying them to work in licensable activities without a valid SIA licence. The SIA and our partners continue to ensure that the law is properly enforced.
-There is a section on the website dedicated to the 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games: www.sia.homeoffice.gov.uk/olympics
-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).
.