The Security Industry Authority has joined the social networking site Twitter and encourages anyone operating in the private security industry to sign up to receive tweets. The SIA can be found on Twitter by searching for SIAuk. Robert Buxton, SIA Assistant Director of Marcoms, said: “We wanted a way of communicating directly with people who would not normally receive our emails or news releases. By following us on Twitter and receiving our tweets, anyone can keep up to date with the latest SIA news or important updates on the future of regulation. “We will post items on Twitter wheneve...

The Home Office has announced its business plan which sets out radical reform that will change the way that it is held accountable. The announcement continued; the Home Office business plan sets out a radical plan for reform that will change the way we’re held to account for the work we do. It sets out the action we will need to take over the next four years in order to achieve these reforms. The plan is key to achieving the government’s goal of redistributing power from governments to communities and people. It will give people a greater level of detail on the work government does and h...

As the days are getting shorter and the cold starts settling in, the British Security Industry Association (BSIA) is reminding homeowners of the importance of ensuring that their homes and possessions are protected this winter. Past events have proven that the risk of falling victim of crimes such as burglary increases during the cold season, as long hours of darkness make properties more vulnerable. However, simple and cost effective preventative measures can dramatically reduce the threat of houses being broken into. “Winter is the busiest time of the year for burglars,” says James Kel...

Angus Darroch-Warren was named as the recipient of the Wilf Knight Award 2010 at the recent Security Excellence Awards held in London, narrowly beating several other very high quality entries. This annual award was established by the Security Institute in 2009 to recognise distinction in academic study and in particular, academic contributions to the development of professional security management. The award is dedicated to the memory of the late Wilf Knight, who until his untimely passing three years ago, was one of the most respected security consultants in the professional sector. As well...

As Western airlines once again become the focus of terrorist threat, the British Security Industry Association (BSIA) is highlighting the ongoing importance of aviation security in the fight against extremism. A plot by Yemen-based members of terrorist group Al-Qaida to smuggle explosive materials within innocuous-looking printer cartridges on US cargo planes was uncovered late last week, causing authorities on both sides of the Atlantic, as well as in Yemen itself, to increase airport security.Closer to home, at Belfast International Airport, the police called Army bomb experts to examin...

The British Security Industry Association (BSIA) is calling for a renewed focus on the licensing of in-house security personnel. "Many people will be shocked to discover that the same licensing law that applies to contracted-out security guards does not apply to those directly employed by a business or retailer to carry out security services on their premises. These staff are normally referred to as in-house security personnel." Says Bill Muskin, Chairman of the BSIA's Security Guarding Section.The BSIA lobbied tirelessly for the introduction of licensing to the private security indust...

The Government’s announcement on 14 October that there will be a phased transition to a new regulatory system was given a cautious welcome by the Security Alliance on 15 October.  Since then, the stakeholders in industry who formed that Alliance have met and agreed that they will act in a transparent and consensual way to reflect the security industry’s views as a single voice and will work with central and devolved governments, the current regulator and other partners to formulate the basis of the new regulation and regulatory body.In light of Government comments and discussion wit...

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...

Last Thursday 21st October at the Security Excellence Awards in Park Lane London, Perpetuity Training – in partnership with the Security Institute - won the Security Training Initiative of the Year. Now in their 12th year, the Security Excellence Awards highlight the very best people, projects and processes the UK security industry has to offer, and have rightly become recognised as the Oscars of the security business sector. Perpetuity Training and the Security Institute fought off tough competition from a number of large organisations to scoop the top prize, which reflects the hard work o...

As Chancellor George Osborne reveals the Coalition government's four-year Public Spending Review Plan, the British Security Industry Association (BSIA) analyses how public and private sectors could work together to overcome challenges brought on by budget cuts, particularly within the police force. The Comprehensive Spending Review, covering the whole of the public sector during the four years from 2011/2012 to 2014/2015, was presented to the country yesterday. Concerns over the implications that cuts could have on service delivery have led to discussions regarding how private and public sec...