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Security: Licensing

Answer

Steps taken by the SIA to speed up the licence application process include the following:A number of improvements have been made to simplify and streamline the application process, including:"the introduction of a simplified application form and application system;""an online request system for application forms and distribution of forms to training providers and security companies;""facility for licence application to be made for more than one licensable sector on the same form;""reduced document requirements for some applicants renewing their licences;""improvements to the processing of applications; and""improvements to the online application tracker to provide applicants with more information on the progress of their applications."Further steps planned:"online application facility;""Direct Debit payment facility for companies (who may apply on behalf of individual employees); and""online UK passport checks."Steps have also been taken to deal with the immediate workload, including:"At the SIA's Managed Service Provider (MSP) facility:""deployment by the MSP of additional staff from other areas, together with additional specialist equipment;""employment of additional staff and management; and""overtime working at weekends and evenings, and double shifts;"SIA HQ staff have:"prioritised work on older licence applications which suffered delays due to changes to the SIA's processing system in November and December 2007; and""been deployed at the SIA's call centre for temporary periods."

Secondary information

Type

Written question

Reference

474 c1518W; 196414

Session

2007-08

Subjects

Licensing Security guards

Link

View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk