The Security Industry Authority (SIA) has published its response to a Freedom of Information (FOI) request about its investigation into BIIAB Qualifications Limited and BIIAB-approved training centres. The response, published on 6 October, gives figures for withdrawn qualifications and training centre visits.
What the SIA says
Asked whether any BIIAB qualifications had been revoked, invalidated or withdrawn since 1 January 2024, the SIA answered: "Yes. 816 learners SIA licence linked qualifications have been withdrawn by BIIAB for BIIAB training providers." On inspections, it said: "There have been 65 visits to BIIAB-approved training providers between 1 January 2024 and 3 August 2026".
The SIA withheld the types of malpractice it found and any referrals to the police, HMRC or other bodies, citing the law enforcement exemption in section 31 of the FOI Act. It said disclosing its inspection methods "could enable bad actors to conduct themselves in such a way as to evade our detection", and that disclosing referrals could deter partner agencies from sharing information. It withheld the count of whistleblower and employer reports under the section 12 cost limit, saying it changed how it records whistleblowing intelligence in June 2026. It said it "became a prescribed person under the Public Interest Disclosure Act 1998 on 2 June 2026", and that from a search of its whistleblowing logs since then it had "not identified any relevant reports" mentioning BIIAB.
What it does not say
The response does not say whether any SIA licences have been suspended or revoked because of the withdrawn qualifications, and it does not name any training centre. The SIA's decision to end its recognition of BIIAB as an awarding body came into effect on 10 August 2026, which we covered in August.
What it means for operators
If you employ or are about to hire staff who trained with a BIIAB-approved provider, check that their licence-linked qualification still stands, and keep a record of the check. Anyone told their qualification has been withdrawn should contact the SIA before assuming their licence is affected either way. Staff who see malpractice at a training centre can make protected whistleblowing disclosures to the SIA, which is now a prescribed person under the Public Interest Disclosure Act.
