Michelle Russell, Chief Executive, Security Industry Authority (SIA) talks to SJUK.

2024 marks 20 years since the Security Industry Authority’s (SIA) licensing regime was introduced.

As the UK private security industry regulator, our role is licensing those fit to hold a licence, stopping those who are not, and setting standards. Public protection is rooted in our core mission.

Threats to public safety

In the last 20 years, this industry has significantly increased its professionalism. Public expectations about the role of security officers, and conduct of responsible security businesses and security buyers, are growing. Threats and risks to public safety are always changing, so the industry must continue to adapt to these expectations.

Licensed operatives are in positions of trust and influence. They are increasingly expected to respond to a wider range of public protection issues, like the immediate impact of public disorder organised through or captured on social media. They are using new technologies such as body worn cameras. They are often able to identify people in vulnerable situations, and prevent and disrupt violence, particularly against women and girls.

We have record numbers of SIA licence holders, with over 431,000 across the UK. We also have record numbers of licence applications, with 1 in every 2 a renewal. It’s a sign experienced people want to stay in this industry. The new people joining who have passed safety critical checks are your talent pool to develop, train further and retain.

Our statutory role is to set entry level requirements. Pre-licence training and top up training ensures all licence holders have basic knowledge. It’s too important to not get right. We will continue to do all we can within our powers to work with Ofqual and other qualification regulators to ensure that training sector regulatory arrangements work as intended, even though we do not regulate the qualifications or commercial training delivery.

Industry leaders and managers have the power and influence to ensure people stay in the industry; pay, terms, and continued skills investment. This is why the SIA is pleased to support industry-led and collaboration initiatives like the Skills Board. We look forward to seeing the outcomes from a profession map project later this year to recognise specialisms and support employers in retaining their workforces.

Martyn’s Law – the Terrorism (Protection of Premises) Bill – in the 2023 King’s Speech is an opportunity for the industry to collectively reset its relationship with users and buyers of security, especially in high footfall venues. Our position is clear; pricing must never compromise public safety.

The ACS is 17 years old, and it is time for change. Last month we kick-started industry engagement about a new scheme – focused on public protection, and responsive to emerging threats and changing business practices. We will publish our wider consultation in early 2024. Please respond; everyone’s views are important.

Thank you to all SIA licence holders and industry partners committed to improving standards and supporting public protection. We all depend on private security every day. The world and domestic threats will keep evolving but, by working together, we can continue to meet them and keep people safe.

About the author

Michelle has been the Chief Executive of the Security Industry Authority (SIA) since October 2020  and has over 25 years’ experience of working in inspection, enforcement, regulation and regulatory environments. Prior to joining the SIA, Michelle was at the Charity Commission for England and Wales.  She has worked in both private and public sector as a lawyer.

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