SIA Strategy Raises Bar for Security Industry Professionalism

London – The Security Industry Authority's (SIA) new strategic plan for the period up to 2029 is raising expectations for professionalism and public protection within the security sector. AddSecure, a provider of security solutions, notes that this evolution necessitates enhanced risk management and advanced communication capabilities from Alarm Receiving Centres (ARCs) and installers.

The SIA's strategy reflects a broader trend where the security industry is increasingly expected to demonstrate structured and verifiable risk management. This includes documented procedures, trained personnel, and resilient infrastructure. Legislation such as Martyn's Law (Terrorism Protection of Premises Act 2025), effective from April 2027, mandates documented evacuation, invacuation, and lockdown procedures for publicly accessible venues. Enhanced tier venues (800+ capacity) also require a nominated senior responsible person and a formal security plan.

In scenarios involving active threats, traditional fire alarm systems are often insufficient. While a fire alarm aims to get people out, in an active threat situation, an exit route might lead people into greater danger. Such situations require specific, controllable alerts to different parts of a building, enabling actions like invacuation. Many existing systems lack this capability.

AddSecure advises security professionals and installers to initiate conversations with their clients. The focus should be on reviewing existing systems to ensure they cover realistic threat scenarios, beyond mere regulatory compliance. Upgrading and expanding systems to meet more diverse communication needs is now a critical step.