The SIA is an independent organisation established by the government under the terms of the Private Security Industry Act (PSIA) 2001.

The SIA is responsible for raising the standards of professionals and the quality of service throughout the security industry. To achieve this, the SIA has introduced new licensing requirements for people working in certain sectors of the private security industry in England and Wales and that this will also affect both Scotland and Northern Ireland in the coming years.

The new licensing requirements carry the forces of law and will help prevent unsuitable or poorly trained people from operating within the private security industry. The aim is to reassure the public that every person providing private security services is both adequately trained and a fit and proper person for the role they perform.

To enable the SIA to fulfil its aim and objectives, Awarding Bodies such as EDEXCEL, City & Guilds and Training providers such as 'Akona' provide the SIA with both education guidelines and technical information in relation to security courses.

The Akona Directors were instrumental in working with the SIA and EDEXCEL in consultation workshops providing guidance towards the Close Protection National Occupational Standards for the Close Protection sector of the security industry. Akona features on the SIA website as an approved training provider.