Workers in Britain’s private security sector have been given enhanced legal protection when raising concerns with the industry regulator, following a change in whistleblowing law that formally recognises the Security Industry Authority as a prescribed body for disclosures.
The development means staff reporting wrongdoing to the Security Industry Authority are now covered by stronger safeguards under the Public Interest Disclosure Act 1998, particularly if they suffer retaliation such as dismissal or unfair treatment after speaking up.
New legal status expands protection for security workers
Under the updated framework, disclosures made directly to the SIA about misconduct in the private security industry are now legally recognised as protected whistleblowing reports.
This includes reports linked to unlicensed security activity, suspected fraud, criminal behaviour, regulatory breaches, and risks that could affect public safety.
The change follows the commencement of a statutory instrument laid before Parliament earlier this year, formally upgrading the SIA’s role in handling whistleblower information.
Workers can report concerns either confidentially or anonymously, and the regulator has also updated its guidance to help individuals understand how the process works and what protections now apply.
Industry regulator says reporting wrongdoing is essential
The SIA has welcomed the change, stressing that effective regulation depends heavily on information from those working within the industry.
Michelle Russell, Chief Executive of the Security Industry Authority, said security staff must feel supported when raising concerns and confident that their reports will be taken seriously.
She noted that employers should encourage open reporting cultures, where issues can be raised, investigated properly, and resolved without fear of retaliation.
According to the regulator, the strengthened protections are designed to ensure workers are not deterred from speaking up.
Whistleblowing support groups back the move
The reforms have also received backing from industry and advocacy figures, including David Ward MBE, founder of City Security Council.
He described the change as a long-overdue step that closes a gap in how frontline security staff can escalate concerns to regulators.
He argued that giving workers a protected channel to report misconduct directly to the SIA strengthens accountability across the sector and helps raise professional standards.
The charity Protect, which specialises in whistleblowing support, has also been consulted on the changes and supports efforts to build confidence among workers who report wrongdoing.
Martyn’s Law inclusion planned for future phase
The SIA’s new prescribed status currently applies to its regulatory responsibilities within the private security industry.
However, the government has indicated that whistleblowing provisions linked to Martyn’s Law will be added once the law is fully implemented, which is expected in Spring 2027.
Officials say the expansion will further broaden protections for workers reporting concerns connected to public protection and venue security in the future.
Guidance issued as regulator prepares for wider reporting role
To support the change, the SIA has published updated whistleblowing guidance explaining how disclosures can be made and what legal protections are now in place for workers who report concerns.
The regulator says the aim is to strengthen trust in the private security industry, improve standards, and ensure that wrongdoing is identified and addressed more quickly through safe reporting channels.
