Government Security Tenders UK
Find active security services contracts across NHS, local authorities, central government, and public sector frameworks.
Security Services procurement in the UK public sector
Public sector security contracts represent a substantial and consistent procurement market for UK security companies. Government buildings, NHS hospitals, local authority estates, educational campuses, transport infrastructure, and courts all require professional security services on an ongoing basis. Annual public sector spend on security services exceeds £2 billion, with contracts ranging from small single-site manned guarding packages to large integrated security management contracts covering multiple sites nationally.
The security services market divides into two broad categories: physical security (manned guarding, CCTV monitoring, access control, key holding) and cybersecurity (network monitoring, penetration testing, security operations centres, incident response). Both categories are active in public sector procurement, with cybersecurity growing rapidly as government departments increase digital security investment.
Physical security contracts are typically procured through competitive tender on Contracts Finder and Find a Tender. Many public bodies also use Crown Commercial Service framework agreements for security services, including the Security Services framework and the National Security Inspectorate (NSI) approved supplier registers. NHS trusts frequently run security contracts jointly across multiple trust sites to achieve economies of scale.
SIA licensing is a mandatory baseline requirement for any manned guarding work. NSI Gold or similar ACS (Approved Contractor Scheme) accreditation is specified on the majority of public sector security tenders. For cybersecurity, NCSC Certified status and CHECK team certification are frequently required on government contracts involving sensitive systems.
Common contract types
- ✓Manned guarding and reception security
- ✓CCTV installation and monitoring
- ✓Access control systems
- ✓Key holding and alarm response
- ✓Event security management
- ✓Cybersecurity monitoring and SOC
- ✓Penetration testing and vulnerability assessment
- ✓Security systems maintenance
Key frameworks
- ›Crown Commercial Service Security Services (RM6252)
- ›ESPO Security Services Framework
- ›NHS Shared Business Services Security
- ›NEPO Security Services
- ›YPO Security Services Framework
Frequently asked questions — Security Services tenders
Is SIA licensing required for all public sector security contracts?
Yes. The Security Industry Authority (SIA) licence is a legal requirement for all security operatives providing manned guarding, door supervision, CCTV operation in public spaces, or close protection services. As a security company, you must ensure all relevant staff hold valid SIA licences and that your business holds the SIA Approved Contractor Scheme (ACS) accreditation, which is a prerequisite for most public sector security tenders and all Crown Commercial Service framework lots.
What is the NSI Gold standard and why is it required?
NSI Gold (National Security Inspectorate Gold) is the highest tier of the NSI Approved Contractor Scheme, involving annual third-party audits of your management systems, staff vetting, and operational procedures. Most public sector security tenders specify NSI Gold or equivalent (SSAIB approved) as a pass/fail pre-qualification requirement. Without NSI Gold or equivalent accreditation, you will be unable to progress past the selection stage on the majority of government security contracts.
How are cybersecurity contracts awarded in the public sector?
Government cybersecurity contracts are primarily awarded through the Crown Commercial Service Cybersecurity Services 3 framework (RM6106), the Digital Marketplace (for assessment and testing services), and direct competition on Find a Tender for high-value engagements. NCSC Assured Service Provider status and CREST or CHECK team certification are required for contracts involving government-classified systems. Many NHS and local authority cybersecurity contracts are smaller in value and accessible to SMEs without full NCSC certification.
What vetting levels do public sector security staff need?
Vetting requirements vary by contract sensitivity. Most public sector security roles require Baseline Personnel Security Standard (BPSS) checks as a minimum. Contracts covering government buildings with sensitive information may require Security Check (SC) clearance. Contracts involving intelligence community facilities require Developed Vetting (DV). Defence contracts may require Ministry of Defence police vetting. You should assess the vetting requirements in each tender specification carefully, as achieving the right clearance levels takes several months.
Never miss a security services tender
KimonBids searches Contracts Finder, Find a Tender, Sell2Wales, and Public Contracts Scotland simultaneously — so you don't have to.
Find Security Services contracts free →