JSIC was incorporated as a company limited by guarantee on 16th July 1996. It was formed in response to the demise of the former security industry lead bodies that had covered the security systems and the manned guarding sectors.

Government in the 1980s had established a number of industry lead bodies to examine ways in which the quality and standards of the British working population could be improved which included the adoption of workplace assessments to give properly recognised qualifications to workers. All sectors of the security industry were involved with its two lead bodies. The results of their work can be evidenced through the National Vocational Qualification programmes now in place.

When industry lead bodies for the security sector were wound up in 1995, the consensus of the members was that a forum similar to that established by the lead bodies should continue to meet to formulate policy and make recommendations for the continued improvement of the security industry. The new non-aligned body was formed, and named the Joint Security Industry Council.(JSIC)

In 2005 as result of changes affecting the industry, the Council with the support of the Security Industry Authority (SIA) (established in 2003 under the Private Security Industry Act 2001), commissioned a consultancy study on the future of JSIC. The Robbins Report published in 2006 confirmed a desire by the industry for the Council to continue and made recommendations concerning its role, activities and funding. These recommendations are now being implemented.

To enhance awareness of and professionalism in security in all sectors of industry and commerce, to extend the role and influence of the security industry in all aspects of commercial, industrial and community safety activities and to provide a single, representational and powerful line of communication with Government departments, European agencies, the UK parliamentary bodies and assemblies and the print and broadcast media.

JSIC is a major confederation of professional and trade associations, together with statutory and regulatory bodies, commercial and industrial enterprises, central and local government organisations and departments, manufacturers, suppliers and end users, all with security interests and responsibilities.

JSIC seeks to enhance the profile, image, importance and knowledge of security matters, to influence the regulatory and commercial environment, to represent the views and concerns of all members whether as suppliers, users or members of the public, and to help improve the performance and efficiency of delivered security measures for the benefit of all.

JSIC achieves this by promoting security awareness, conducting research and publishing results, and encouraging professionalism and greater understanding by holding seminars, conferences and exhibitions and representing member bodies to Government. Government reciprocally recognises that JSIC represents many stakeholders in the security industry and other business sectors and communities where concerns about security are a reality and demanding of concerted attention

JSIC's objectives are as stated in the published Memorandum and Articles of Association and are in summary:

• to watch over, protect, preserve, promote and represent the general rights and interests of persons, firms or bodies corporate or unincorporated, engaged or concerned or interested in the security
• to advance the education and training of persons preparing for, entering upon or engaged in security careers
• to co-operate with the Security Industry Authority (SIA) and various sector bodies and training organisations on the development of qualifications subject to the National Vocational Qualifications Framework and National Occupational Standards;
• to encourage the development of well defined, practical and attainable standards
• to promote the consideration and discussion of all questions affecting security and the security industry;
• to promote, support or oppose legislation or other measures or proceedings affecting the interests of members;
• to make representations in regard to all matters affecting security and the interests of members;
• to enable the Council to attain a recognised status, and,
• to do all things necessary to further the interests of the Council, the members and the security industry in general.

In addition JSIC:

• produces, publishes and distributes journals, books, periodicals and papers, and generally uses all media for the dissemination of knowledge whether alone or in co-operative activity with others;
• cooperates with any Company, Association, Public Authority, or other body or person for the purposes of promoting the aims and objectives of the Council.

JSIC Ltd has a Management Committee, formed by the Board of Directors of the Company, and a contracted Secretariat. A Chairman/Chief Executive heads the Management Committee. He and his colleagues operate primarily on a part-time basis.