The Security Industry Authority is the organisation responsible for regulating the private security industry. They are an independent body reporting to the Home Secretary, under the terms of the Private Security Industry Act 2001. Their mission is to regulate the private security industry effectively; to reduce criminality, raise standards and recognise quality service and their remit is to cover the United Kingdom.

They have two main duties. One is the compulsory licensing of individuals undertaking designated activities within the private security industry; the other is to manage the voluntary Approved Contractor Scheme, which measures private security suppliers against independently assessed criteria.

SIA licensing covers manned guarding (including security guarding, door supervision, close protection, cash and valuables in transit, and public space surveillance using CCTV. Licensing ensures that private security operatives are ‘fit and proper’ persons who are properly trained and qualified to do their job and all applicants undergo a fully enhanced CRB check. DSTO run CCTV courses in Manchester and Bournemouth which sell out each time. In addition we run door supervisor courses which will entitle you to work in a wide range of security environments unlike the security guarding. DSTO are also able to advise on issues that prevent or delay you obtaining an SIA licence such as criminality issues.

The good news is that Service leavers are highly employable. In fact a 2007 National Audit Office report found that 66% of Service leavers find a job within one month of leaving the forces. That figure rose to 94% being in full time employment within six months of leaving.

However, there’s no room for complacency, and not just because the job market has recently got tougher. Standards are rising and security individuals are more likely to be trained at a higher level than the minimum requirements to get the heads up on less qualified personnel. It is a proven fact that they are more employable because there is rarely a structure of pay in the Security Industry and employers want the best for the money they are paying.

Successful resettlement requires clear aims, good job intelligence, effective networking and an intelligent approach to employers (by marleen). It can also help to acquire extra skills. It’s therefore vital to take full advantage of the resources and facilities at your disposal. DSTO are currently liaising with Resettlement officers around the country to help bring forces leavers up to speed on what they need to be doing in order to gain employment in the security industry.

All Service personnel are entitled to a broad range of allowances and grants as part of the resettlement process. In each case, your Resettlement Advisor will have more details.

The Individual Resettlement Training Costs (IRTC) grant

All Service personnel are entitled to a broad range of allowances and grants as part of the resettlement process. In each case, your Resettlement Advisor will have more details.

The IRTC grant is available to Service leavers with six or more years’ service, or Medical Discharges. It’s a contribution to all training costs, both internally and externally.

Other claims

If you’re not eligible for the IRTC grant, you can use your Standard Learning Credits to buy internal training.

In addition, all Service leavers can make claims for travel and subsistence allowances on all approved briefings, training, attachments, workshops and interviews/consultations, in accordance with single Service regulations.

If you use Individual Resettlement Preparation (IRP), subsistence doesn’t apply, although you can claim for travel from the allocation of claims/warrants available under Graduated Resettlement Time (GRT).

Standard Learning Credit (SLC) and Enhanced Learning Credit (ELC)

The Standard Learning Credit (SLC) is available to all personnel and may be used to assist with resettlement activities. You can also use SLCs to cover the tuition costs of Standby Places.

In addition, the Enhanced Learning Credit (ELC) can be used for resettlement training purposes.

Graduated Resettlement Time

Graduated Resettlement Time (GRT) is an official duty allocation of time away from your place of work for resettlement purposes. It’s available for anyone who has served at least six years, or who has been medically discharged.

It can be used for any kind of resettlement activity outlined on this website, and normally for up to two years before you leave. The table below shows what you’re entitled to.

Years of Service	Working Days (normal discharge)	Working Days (medical discharge)
<1	0	10
1+	0	30
6+	20	30
8+	25	30
12+	30	30
16+	35	35