A telephone renewals service that allows SIA licence holders to renew without having to complete an application form was launched on Monday, March 26 by the Security Industry Authority. The SIA says this licence renewal service has been introduced in response to customer feedback, and is available for anyone renewing a licence, or applying for an additional licence in another sector, who:
– Is renewing, or already holds, a current SIA licence;
– Has previously supplied a passport, a UK digital passport number, or a UK driving licence;
– Has kept their name and address details up to date; and
– Will pay the licence fee by debit or credit card.
During the telephone conversation, applicants will be asked to confirm their details, make a declaration that the information provided is accurate and make a card payment for the licence application fee. The whole process should take around 15 minutes and means that no application form or documents need to be completed and sent. The SIA will then complete the required checks, including requesting a criminal record check, before making a decision on the licence application and, if granted, issuing the licence.
SIA assistant director of Customer Services and Quality Improvement Christy Hopkins said: “This is part of our drive to simplify and modernise our customer services. Customers have told us they think renewing their licence should be more straightforward and we’ve listened. The telephone service will make the renewal application quicker for licence holders but it is just one of the improvements we are making to our service. Later this year we plan to launch a fully online renewals service which will make it easier for companies to renew on behalf of their staff.”
The regulator says the service is available by telephoning 0845 892 1025 between 8am and 8pm Monday to Friday. The SIA aims to process a minimum of 80pc of all correctly completed applications within 25 working days. There is a section on the website dedicated to the 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games: www.sia.homeoffice.gov.uk/olympics
For further information about the Security Industry Authority or to sign up for email updates visit: www.sia.homeoffice.gov.uk
