Alarms and cameras tell you that something has happened. A trained officer on site can often stop it happening, or deal with it as it unfolds. This guide explains what professional manned guarding is, what it offers, where its limits are and what the law requires, so you can judge whether it suits your site.
What manned guarding means in law
Under the Private Security Industry Act 2001, manned guarding covers guarding premises against unauthorised access or occupation, outbreaks of disorder or damage, guarding property against destruction, damage or theft, and guarding people against assault or injury. The SIA issues five types of manned guarding licence. The one most sites need is the security guard licence. If the work is at licensed premises, such as a pub, club or licensed event, the officer needs a door supervisor licence instead.
Officers supplied under a contract must hold the right licence for the work they do, and you can check any licence on the SIA’s public register.
What a professional guard adds
- A visible presence that discourages opportunists and reassures staff, visitors and neighbours.
- Control of access: checking visitors, contractors and deliveries against a list, and keeping unauthorised people out.
- Human judgement on the spot: an officer can assess a situation, challenge a person, call the right emergency service and meet them at the gate.
- Records you can rely on: patrol logs, visitor logs and incident reports that help with insurers, managers and the police.
- Safety as well as security: everyone applying for a front line SIA licence must hold a valid first aid qualification, and an officer on site can raise the alarm and help with an evacuation.
- Flexibility: cover can be matched to the hours that matter, such as nights, weekends, a build phase or a single event.
What manned guarding does not do
Be wary of anyone who promises more. Security officers have no special legal powers beyond those of any other citizen. They can observe, deter, challenge, report and call the police, and they may use reasonable force where it is necessary and proportionate. They are not a replacement for a police response, and they work best alongside good locks, lighting, alarms and CCTV.
Where it tends to make sense
Manned guarding is commonly used where the risk is higher or a loss would be serious: construction sites with plant and materials, vacant properties, warehouses and yards, offices with controlled access, car parks, retail premises and events. Whether you need a static guard, patrols or remote monitoring depends on the site, the hours that matter and the risks. A site visit and a risk assessment should come before a quote.
How to check a manned guarding supplier
- Is every officer licensed for the work they will do, and can you check each one on the SIA register?
- Will you receive written assignment instructions that set out duties, access rules, emergency contacts and what to do in an incident?
- Who supervises the officers, and how often are sites checked?
- How are patrols, visitors and incidents recorded, and how quickly do you get reports?
- What happens if an officer is absent mid-shift?
- Does the company carry public liability insurance, and can you see the certificate?
How GM Secure can help
GM Secure provides SIA-licensed, DBS-checked manned guarding across London and the UK, including 24/7 cover. We start with your site and the risks, and we talk you through what it needs before we quote. You can read more about our manned guarding, night security, construction security and CCTV monitoring services, or see our guide on how to choose a security company.
Official sources
- Find out if you need an SIA licence (GOV.UK)
- Check security staff have a licence to work (GOV.UK)
- Check what training you need to get an SIA licence (GOV.UK)
This article is general information, not legal advice. Rules can change, so check GOV.UK for what applies to your site.