The Security Industry Authority opened a public consultation on 28 August 2026 on proposed changes to the content and requirements of licence-linked qualifications, the regulator announced. Proposals include updated content specifications, an additional independent English language test, and a new security-specific first aid qualification. The SIA proposed making an in-date first aid qualification a licence condition for close protection operatives, door supervisors and security guards.

The regulator said its research found 91% of licence-holders surveyed considered first aid skills important to their role, with over half having used first aid training on the job, and that 81% of respondents confirmed the importance of communication skills. It also cited research showing 43% of licence holders were dealing with increasing levels of violence at work, and proposed more real-life conflict management scenarios plus a possible post-licence advanced physical intervention standard, asking whether it should be voluntary or compulsory.

The consultation was set to close on 23 October 2026, with final specifications planned for winter 2026 and new qualifications launching later in 2027. Tim Archer, the SIA's Executive Director of Licensing and Standards, said operatives' skills need to keep pace as demands on them evolve.