The Security Industry Authority (SIA) is the organisation responsible for regulating the private security industry in the UK. It is a non-departmental public body reporting to the Home Secretary and was established in 2003 under the terms of the Private Security Industry Act 2001.The SIA has two main duties. One is the compulsory licensing of individuals undertaking designated activities within the private security industry; the other is to manage a voluntary Approved Contractor Scheme, which measures private security suppliers against independently assessed criteria.On 14 October 2010 the UK Government's Cabinet Office made an announcement on the future of many public bodies. Its intention for the SIA was stated as: 'Security Industry Authority - No Longer an NDPB - Phased transition to new regulatory regime'. The exact nature of this new regulatory regime is yet to be determined. In the meantime the existing regulatory regime remains in place and existing laws will continue to be enforced.
29 October 2010
The SIA has been asked by ministers to work with the private security industry and key stakeholders to lead the phased transition to the new regulatory regime announced by Government.
An initial meeting took place yesterday, calling together a number of industry representatives and stakeholders. During this session, the SIA's initial framework for phased transition, reflecting the proposals first set out by Ruth Henig in June this year, was discussed. James Kelly gave an industry view from the Security Alliance.
A framework for the future and a delivery plan will be developed with industry and other stakeholders in the coming months, for presentation to ministers early next year. A further stakeholder meeting will be held in the New Year.
SIA chief executive Bill Butler said:
"Currently, the existing regulatory regime - licensing and the Approved Contractor Scheme, remain in place and existing laws will continue to be enforced. All individuals undertaking licensable activity must ensure they have the required SIA licence.
Work and planning will be underway immediately, but it is not expected that any significant changes will take place before the Olympics in 2012. The phased transition to the new regime will then take place. Subject to agreement, the transition could then be completed by 2014. Any changes will be implemented so as not to disrupt the Glasgow Commonwealth Games in 2014.
There is now much to be done, and the next step will be for the SIA to establish initial arrangements to work with the industry and stakeholders, including the devolved governments in Scotland and Northern Ireland."
Following the meeting, SIA chairman Ruth Henig said:
"We welcome the efforts made so far by the industry to inform the debate and to come together with the SIA to develop and ensure a smooth transition to the new regulatory regime."
Notes to Editors:
- On 14 October the Cabinet Office made an announcement on the future of public bodies following its review. Its intention for the SIA was stated as: 'Security Industry Authority - No Longer an NDPB - Phased transition to new regulatory regime'.
- The governments in Scotland and Northern Ireland wish to ensure that regulation of the private security industry continues in their countries. How this will work will be a policy decision for the devolved administrations.
- The Security Alliance is an industry group formed after the announcement of plans for a transition to a new regulatory regime. James Kelly is chief executive of the BSIA and spoke on behalf of the Security Alliance.
- The Security Industry Authority regulates the private security industry in the United Kingdom under the Private Security Industry Act 2001, reporting to the Home Secretary. Its main duties are: the compulsory licensing of individuals undertaking designated activities; managing the voluntary Approved Contractor Scheme approving private security suppliers.
- We are committed to the Regulators' Compliance Code, a statutory code of practice for regulators that promotes a risk-based, proportionate and targeted approach.
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