SIA equality reminder to security industry

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. SIA chief executive 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, SIA says it 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. For more information, visit https://www.sia.homeoffice.gov.uk/Documents/sia-ds-trans-guide.pdf