Beyond Standing Around: The Five Core Duties of an SIA-Licensed UK Security Guard

From city lobbies to city gatehouses, this piece spells out the five core duties every SIA-licensed guard should deliver, in talks about visible deterrence and reassurance, warm and efficient access control, proactive patrols and loss prevention, calm incident response, and reporting and liaison. See what “good” looks like in practice and how Shoreditch Security’s SIA-approved, personable officers turn safety into service through open communication and strong relationships. Ready for security that makes a real difference? Call us

10/17/20251 min read

Ask ten people and you’ll get ten answers, but in the UK there are five core duties every good, SIA-licensed security guard should deliver day in, day out—whether that’s a corporate lobby in the City, a retail floor in Stratford, or a construction gatehouse in Hackney.

Of course, every site is different—duties are shaped by the risk assessment and the Assignment Instructions, but these five are the backbone of professional guarding.

Visible deterrence and reassurance - A professional, alert presence that discourages wrongdoing and reassures staff, residents and visitors. This includes high-visibility patrols, challenging suspicious behaviour appropriately, and being the calm, steady face people look for when something feels off.
Access control - Managing entry and exit points: checking IDs and passes, issuing visitor badges, key and vehicle control, bag checks where authorised, and enforcing site rules. Done well, it blends security with warm, helpful customer service so the site feels both safe and welcoming.
Monitoring, patrols and loss prevention - Conducting regular patrols, checking doors, windows and plant rooms, and spotting hazards before they become incidents (faulty lights, blocked fire exits, water leaks). In retail, that extends to a discreet, lawful approach to reducing theft.
Incident response, de-escalation and safety - Responding to alarms and emergencies, carrying out evacuations, administering basic first aid, and using conflict management to de-escalate situations. Coordinating with police, ambulance, or fire services and preserving evidence when required.
Reporting, compliance and liaison - Accurate logs, incident reports and shift handovers, all in line with Assignment Instructions, site risk assessments and GDPR. Briefing contractors, supporting health and safety, safeguarding vulnerable persons, and keeping management informed so decisions are based on facts.

If you want security that does more than stand around, talk to Shoreditch Security.

Our SIA-approved, highly trained officers are personable, proactive and genuinely care. Professionalism is our foundation, we deploy security guards who build strong relationships and keep communication open.

Are you ready for security that makes a positive difference?

Get in touch today for a quick, no-fuss consultation and tailored plan by calling us on 020 3960 7969 or by emailing us at enquiry@shoreditchsecurity.com