How to Find Reliable Security Guards in the UK: 2026 Guide

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Finding reliable security guards in the UK requires checking three things: SIA licences, company accreditation, and insurance. Every security guard working in the UK must hold an active Security Industry Authority (SIA) licence, have passed background clearance, and work for a company with proper insurance in place. This guide covers what to look for, current costs as of 2026, and the specific questions to ask before you hire. The information is based on current UK regulations and what actually protects your property or event.

Understanding SIA Licensing Requirements

The SIA is the statutory regulator for UK security staff. Any security guard working in the UK must carry a valid SIA licence card. This is non-negotiable. The licence proves the guard has passed criminal vetting, identity verification, and relevant training. When you hire a security company, ask to see the individual guard's licence number and verify it directly on the SIA website (sia.homeoffice.gov.uk) — it takes 90 seconds.

A valid SIA licence shows:

• Cardholder's full name and a photograph
• Unique 13-digit licence number
• Issue and expiry dates (licences last three years)
• Confirmation of the licence type (door supervisor, close protection, security guarding, CCTV operative, or event security)

Never hire anyone without a current, verifiable SIA licence. Companies that say "we're working on it" or "the card is in the post" are breaking the law, and you become liable. The SIA publishes a public register you can cross-check; if a licence isn't listed or has expired, don't proceed.

Checking Security Company Credentials and Insurance

A reputable security company will hold several types of accreditation and insurance that protect you, the guards, and your property. Many people skip this step and regret it.

What to verify before hiring:

• Public Liability Insurance: Minimum £6 million cover (standard across the industry). Request a copy of the certificate; it should name your premises or event as the location being covered.
• Employers' Liability Insurance: Legal requirement if the company has employees. Expect £10 million minimum for reputable firms.
• Professional Indemnity Insurance: Covers claims if the security company's work causes loss or damage.
• SIA Approved Contractor Scheme: Not all companies hold this, but those that do have been vetted to a higher standard. Check the SIA website for the list.
• ISO 9001 Certification: Shows the company operates to consistent quality standards (worth asking about, but not essential).
• British Security Industry Association (BSIA) Membership: Trade body that holds members to a code of conduct; another good sign.

Ask for references from at least three previous clients, particularly ones in a similar sector to yours (retail, hospitality, industrial, etc.). A professional firm will provide these without issue. If they're evasive, find someone else.

How Much Do UK Security Guards Cost?

As of 2026, security guard costs in the UK vary by region, shift type, and guard experience. London costs 20–30% more than the national average. Rural areas and northern regions are typically cheaper.

2026 UK security guard rates:

• Standard daytime site guarding (9am–5pm, Mon–Fri): £16–£22 per hour across the UK; London: £20–£28 per hour.
• Evening/night shifts (5pm–1am): £18–£26 per hour; London: £24–£32 per hour.
• Overnight security (10pm–6am): £20–£28 per hour; London: £26–£35 per hour.
• Weekend premium: Typically 10–15% uplift on weekday rates.
• Close protection (personal security, bodyguard work): £35–£80+ per hour depending on the guard's experience and risk profile.
• Event security (crowd control, door supervision): £15–£25 per hour; London venues: £20–£30 per hour.

Most companies charge a minimum call-out fee (£50–£150) and require a minimum shift length (often 4 hours). Retainer arrangements for regular, ongoing security are usually cheaper per hour than ad-hoc shifts. A company offering guards at £12 per hour is cutting corners on quality or training, or planning to make up margin through hidden fees. Conversely, paying over £40 per hour for standard site guarding (outside London) means you're overpaying.

Get written quotes from at least three providers and ask what's included: uniforms, training costs, contract cancellation clauses, and how much notice they need for changes.

What to Look For in Individual Security Guards

Beyond the company's accreditation, the guard themselves matters enormously. You're trusting someone with your property, staff safety, or event security.

Good signs a security guard is professional:

• They carry their SIA licence card visibly and can explain it to you without hesitation.
• They're punctual, uniformed correctly, and well-groomed on day one.
• They ask sensible questions about your site, access points, emergency procedures, and key contacts.
• They have documented training in conflict de-escalation, first aid, or CCTV operation (relevant to the role).
• They have previous relevant experience (ideally 2+ years in a similar setting).
• References check out: previous employers can confirm they were reliable and trustworthy.

Red flags:

• They can't produce their SIA card or the number doesn't verify.
• They've been doing the job less than 6 months with no training history.
• They seem more interested in confrontation or "showing authority" than de-escalating issues.
• The company won't provide a named guard; they just send whoever is available.
• They haven't been briefed on your site layout, procedures, or who to contact in an emergency.

Interview the guard if possible before they start. A 15-minute conversation tells you whether they understand their role and will represent your business professionally.

Comparing Security Providers: Key Questions to Ask

When comparing quotes, look beyond price. These questions separate professional operators from cheaper alternatives.

1. Are all your guards SIA licence holders, and can I verify their licence numbers before they arrive? Reputable firms will supply this without fuss.
2. What insurance do you hold, and can you provide proof? Ask for a copy of the insurance certificate covering your specific location or event.
3. Do you carry the SIA Approved Contractor Scheme badge? It marks higher standards.
4. How do you handle guard absences or emergencies? A quality firm has backup staff; a smaller firm might leave you short-staffed.
5. What training do your guards receive, and is it documented? Look for conflict management, first aid, emergency procedures.
6. Can you provide references from similar clients? Contact them and ask about reliability, professionalism, and whether they'd rehire.
7. What's your cancellation or change policy? How much notice do you need, and what are the charges?
8. Are uniforms, equipment (radios, torches), and transport included, or are they extra? This affects your real cost.
9. How long have you been trading, and do you hold any additional accreditations (ISO, BSIA membership)?
10. What happens if I have a complaint or incident involving a guard? A good firm has a clear complaints procedure and will investigate seriously.

Write down their answers and compare across three providers. Don't dismiss the firm that asks you detailed questions back — they're checking whether they're a good fit for you, which is professional behaviour.

Regional Differences and Cost Variation

The UK security market isn't uniform. London and the South East charge premium rates due to higher wages, cost of living, and demand. The Midlands and North tend to be 15–25% cheaper. Rural areas may have fewer options but sometimes lower rates.

What affects regional pricing:

• Labour costs: London security guards earn more due to living costs and higher client budgets.
• Travel time: If a guard must commute far, some firms add a surcharge.
• Demand: High-demand seasons (summer events, December retail) push prices up everywhere.
• Site difficulty: Remote, high-risk, or challenging locations (heavy manufacturing, late-night clubs) cost 10–20% more.
• Contract length: Monthly retainer arrangements are typically 10–15% cheaper per hour than ad-hoc shifts.

If you're comparing a London firm (£26/hour) with a Midlands firm (£19/hour) for the same role, the difference is reasonable. If you're comparing London (£26/hour) with a local firm (£13/hour), the cheaper one is likely cutting corners on training, insurance, or staff quality.

Common Mistakes When Hiring Security Guards

Most people don't hire security often, so mistakes are common. Here's what to avoid.

Mistake 1: Hiring the cheapest option. Security is not a commodity. The guard is your first line of defence and often represents your business to the public. Saving £3 per hour by hiring an unvetted provider will cost you far more if something goes wrong.

Mistake 2: Not verifying the SIA licence in real time. Take 90 seconds on the SIA website. Many firms claim guards are "licensed" but won't provide numbers. That's a warning sign.

Mistake 3: Accepting a generic team without named guards. Small firms especially should be able to tell you who's coming. If they say "whoever is available," you have no continuity and can't build rapport or address performance issues with a specific person.

Mistake 4: Not reviewing the contract or terms. Understand the cancellation clause, payment terms, and what happens if the guard doesn't show up. A one-page email is not a contract; get something in writing.

Mistake 5: Skipping the induction. The first guard you hire should spend time on your site learning the layout, procedures, who to contact, and what your expectations are. An hour spent here prevents problems later.

Mistake 6: Ignoring complaints or performance issues. If a guard is rude, unreliable, or underperforming, report it immediately to the firm. A professional operator will take it seriously; a poor one will dismiss you. That tells you who you're dealing with.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do security guards in the UK need a licence?

Yes. All security guards working in the UK must hold a valid SIA licence. This is a legal requirement under the Private Security Industry Act 2001. You can verify any licence on the SIA's public register at sia.homeoffice.gov.uk. Never hire anyone without one.

How far in advance should I book a security guard?

For one-off events or ad-hoc shifts, book at least 2–4 weeks ahead to ensure availability, especially if you need a guard for a weekend or peak season. For ongoing contracts, companies typically need 1–2 weeks' notice for changes. Emergency requests (24 hours' notice) are possible but often incur a surcharge of 15–25%.

What's the difference between a door supervisor and a security guard?

Both require SIA licences, but door supervisors specifically manage access and conduct at premises like clubs or bars, whereas security guards cover broader site security, including patrols, monitoring, and incident response. If you need access control for an event, hire a door supervisor; for general property or retail security, a security guard is appropriate.

Can a security company send a different guard each time?

Legally, yes, if all guards hold valid SIA licences. However, it's poor practice for ongoing work because the guard won't know your site or procedures. For regular contracts, insist on a named guard with a named backup. This improves professionalism and continuity.

What should I do if I'm unhappy with a security guard?

Report the issue to the company's management immediately with specific details (date, time, what happened). A professional firm will investigate and address it, or replace the guard. If the firm is dismissive, escalate to the BSIA or, in serious cases, report to the SIA. Don't wait—ongoing problems reflect poorly on your business.

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