A booking note that says “keep an eye on CCTV” leaves too much open. Does that mean glance at an entry screen, monitor people in real time, search recorded footage or export a clip? Those tasks are not interchangeable for security licensing or data protection.
If CCTV may form part of temporary security cover, describe the task before the shift is agreed. A clear brief helps the business check the licence activity, limit access to footage and give the person on duty instructions they can follow.
Write down the CCTV task
A job title such as “security guard” does not settle which CCTV work a person may carry out. The Security Industry Authority (SIA) looks at the actual activity. Its current guidance says an SIA licence may be needed when security work is supplied under a contract for services and involves a licensable activity.
Replace a vague line such as “monitor CCTV” with a short description of the planned work. State whether the role involves a live entry screen, active monitoring, a search of recorded footage or making a copy. Include the purpose of the task and who can authorise any action beyond routine viewing.
Licensing caution
Licence requirements depend on the real duties and working arrangement. Do not assume that a security guarding licence covers every use of CCTV. Check the current SIA guidance against the exact task before confirming the shift.
Know where the SIA licence boundary changes
The SIA’s guidance draws a specific distinction between security guarding and public space surveillance work.
A security guarding licence can cover CCTV used to guard premises against unauthorised access, or to guard property against damage or theft. The same licence does not cover CCTV used to guard premises against disorder or damage, or to guard people against injury or assault caused by the unlawful conduct of others. The SIA says a public space surveillance (CCTV) licence is needed for those activities, including when recorded footage is viewed for those purposes.
This is why the purpose matters. Two people may look at the same screen, but the licence position can differ because they are being asked to do different things. Businesses can use the SIA guidance on licensable activities and the NJProtection guide to checking SIA licences before making a booking.
Treat licensing and data protection as separate checks
An appropriate SIA licence does not, by itself, give someone unrestricted access to a site’s cameras or recordings. CCTV images can be personal data, so the organisation responsible for the system needs suitable instructions and access controls.
The Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) says surveillance information should be stored securely and access should be restricted to authorised people. Its published guidance also says live surveillance monitors should be viewed only by the operator and other authorised people, unless the screen shows a scene already in plain sight from that location. Recorded footage should be viewed in a restricted area, and staff should receive training in security procedures.
The ICO notes that its video surveillance guidance is under review following changes made by the Data (Use and Access) Act. Businesses should check the current version when setting or reviewing their CCTV arrangements.
Give temporary cover only the access the role needs
Temporary access should match the written task. If the shift only requires observation of a live entry screen, access to archived footage or export tools may be unnecessary. If recorded footage must be searched, the brief should say who requested it, the purpose and what the person on duty may do with the result.
Keep camera layouts, credentials and other sensitive system details out of an initial availability enquiry. Once cover is agreed, share necessary information through the site’s approved process. Use an individual or temporary account where the system supports one, rather than passing around a shared administrator login.
Prepare a short CCTV duty brief
- Describe the exact CCTV task and its purpose.
- State whether the work uses live images, recorded footage or both.
- Confirm the SIA licence activity against current official guidance.
- Identify the parts of the system needed for the role without granting wider access by default.
- Name the authorised site contact for questions and changes.
- Explain what may be recorded in the site’s incident or shift log.
- Set out who may approve a search, copy, export or disclosure of footage.
- Arrange secure access at the start of the shift and removal or return at the end.
Pause if the duties change
A request made during the shift can change the nature of the work. Asking someone to search older footage, follow an individual’s movements across several cameras or make a copy for another person may go beyond the original brief.
The safer approach is to pause, confirm that the requester has authority and check the licence and data protection position before the new task begins. Record the agreed change through the site’s normal process. This is general good practice, not a substitute for advice on a particular legal or licensing question.
Sources and further reading
- Security Industry Authority: Find out if you need an SIA licence
- Information Commissioner’s Office: Video surveillance guidance for organisations using CCTV
- Information Commissioner’s Office: Data protection principles for surveillance systems
Discuss temporary security cover in West Yorkshire
NJProtection & Security Services provides flexible freelance security cover across West Yorkshire. When making an enquiry, describe whether CCTV forms part of the planned duties so the role can be considered accurately.