To work as a security guard in the UK you will need to take a standard DBS check.
DBS checks are statutory criminal record checks carried out by the Disclosure and Barring Service under terms set out in the 1974 Rehabilitation of Offenders Act.
The act instructs employers to use DBS checks for those in frontline roles to ensure those who are not suitable for frontline work are identified at the recruitment stage.
UK security guards are regulated by the Security Industry Authority (SIA). The SIA will require the completion of a standard DBS check for you to obtain a licence to work as a security guard in both public and private capacities.
A standard DBS check for a security guard will check whether you have any unspent or spent convictions, cautions, reprimands or warnings in existence on the Police National Computer.
Standard DBS checks are a requirement across the security industry for all frontline positions, including bodyguards and door supervisors.
If anything does show up on your standard DBS check for a security guard, don’t assume the SIA will discount your application.
Their recruitment team assess each case on an individual basis using agreed guidelines. To understand how the1974 Rehabilitation of Offenders Act may affect your application visit hub.unlock.org.uk or SIA.org.