Operational Briefing: Updates to CCTV / Public Space Surveillance (PSS) Licensable Activities

Overview 

On 15 January 2026, the Security Industry Authority (SIA) updated the official guidance on when an SIA licence is required. This includes significant clarification affecting CCTV / Public Space Surveillance (PSS) operations. 

These changes do not amend legislation, but they clarify definitions and expand examples relevant to day to day operations. 

Key Areas Updated (15 January 2026) 

The following updates were made by the SIA : 

“Job activities that need a licence (licensable activities)” – expanded 

The SIA has added substantive regulatory changes to definitions, including: 

A more detailed definition of premises, including moveable structures and external boundaries. Which now effects the detail on when a Public Space Surveillance (CCTV) licence is required.  

Clarifications Impacting CCTV / PSS Operations 

When a CCTV / PSS Licence is required 

A Public Space Surveillance (CCTV) licence is required when CCTV is used to: 

• Identify people or monitor their activities 

• Guard premises against disorder or damage 

• Guard people against injury or assault due to unlawful conduct 

• Prevent these events from occurring through active monitoring 

• Provide information if they do occur, including viewing recorded footage. 

Please note public and private land is no longer in scope, all land is consider public. 

Although you do not require a CCTV / PSS licence for monitoring for trespass or access control, the above change in definition effects the operation and extent of use. 

Trespassing  

Using CCTV for monitoring trespass is acceptable without a CCTV license, however there is the question of what if the trespasser commits a crime whilst trespassing, would the officer deal with the incident, call the police?  

Either or both would then make the activity licensable as the officer is now monitoring for crime and disorder as well as monitoring trespassing. A CCTV / PSS license would be required. 

Access Control 

Access control CCTV must only view the access point e.g., the door, the door frame and the supporting structure  

Note an officer can not use the footage deemed acceptable for any other reason than access control. 

Control Rooms & Monitoring Teams 

• All personnel whose duties include active monitoring of public areas or identifying individuals via CCTV should hold a valid CCTV / PSS licence. 

• Staff viewing recorded footage to support investigations require a CCTV / PSS licence. 

• Staff viewing CCTV that extend beyond monitoring trespass and access control require a CCTV / PSS licence. 

Supervisors and Managers 

• Review licensable activity within your operation to ensure licence alignment. 

• Confirm no unlicensed individuals are undertaking PSS related activities. 

Recommended Required Actions 

Immediate Actions 

• Review all CCTV / PSS duties within your team. 

• Identify staff who may now fall within the clarified PSS definition. 

• Escalate any potential non-compliance to the Compliance Team immediately. 

Communications to Teams 

• Brief teams on the expanded definitions 

• Licensing Checks 

• Verify that all personnel performing licensable activities under the updated interpretation hold the appropriate SIA licence type. 

Support 

For queries, clarification, or to review specific roles / duties against the updated guidance, contact John Owens Director of Governance and Compliance.