The licensing of in-house security personnel is an issue that, while contentious, remains at the forefront of the private security industry's agenda due to what some view to be the shortcomings of the Private Security Industry Act of 2001, writes James Kelly, the British Security Industry Association, Chief Executive. Through intensive lobbying activity a decade ago, the BSIA was instrumental in the introduction of regulation of the private security industry, resulting in the introduction of licensing for contracted security personnel, along with the creation of the Security Industry Authorit...

Reliance Security Group has been recognised as one of Britain’s Top 100 Employers 2010 by the CRF Institute and Telegraph newspaper. This is the fourth year running that the company has been recognised for its excellence in people management – Reliance was also the first security company to achieve this prestigious accolade.   The award was presented to Reliance on March 24th at a gala ceremony held at the Royal Institute of British Architects in London.  On winning the award the judges applauded Reliance for their positive company culture. Britain’s Top Employers objectively identif...

The third CCTV Operatives Network meeting will be held in Doncaster on 17 May. The event is being hosted by Highfield Awarding Body for Compliance with the support of the Security Industry Authority. The meeting is an opportunity for delegates working within the CCTV sector to engage with the SIA and others in their industry and discuss issues affecting them. If you would like to attend the meeting please visit www.sia.homeoffice.gov.uk to register your interest by 5 May 2010. SIA Website...

Yesterday at Accrington Magistrates Court, Mr Alan Neil Brownridge, Director of Universal Security Solutions Limited (based in Accrington, Lancashire) pleaded guilty to five counts under Section 3 of the Private Security Industry Act 2001  working without an Security Industry Authority licence and three counts of Section 19 failing to provide information to the SIA when requested. By law, those who manage, supervise and/or employ door staff must hold a, non-front line licence from the SIA. Mr Brownridge was fined £500 for each Section 3 offence (£2500 in total) and asked to make a contribu...

Following the announcement of the next General Election, the British Security Industry Association (BSIA) is urging the major political parties to engage with the security industry and consider its needs as part of their election manifestos in the run up to 6th May. Working with the Government has long been at the heart of the BSIA's activity and the Association is proud to maintain good relations with key decision-makers at the highest levels. Continuing these relationships and establishing new ones will be high on the BSIA's agenda once the new Government is announced. The BSIA will also ...

Compulsory licensing for in-house door staff working at licensed premises, such as pubs, bars and clubs, comes into force today in Northern Ireland. By law, all door staff must now hold and display a valid Security Industry Authority licence. Those who manage, supervise and/or employ individuals who engage in licensable activity must hold at least a non-front line licence. This is the final stage of SIA regulation in Northern Ireland. In December 2009 it became an offence to work in designated manned guarding activities without a licence. SIA Chief Executive Bill Butler said: “Today marks t...

Compulsory licensing for in-house door staff working at licensed premises, such as pubs, bars and clubs, comes into force today in Northern Ireland. By law, all door staff must now hold and display a valid Security Industry Authority licence. Those who manage, supervise and/or employ individuals who engage in licensable activity must hold at least a non-front line licence. This is the final stage of SIA regulation in Northern Ireland. In December 2009 it became an offence to work in designated manned guarding activities without a licence. SIA Chief Executive Bill Butler said: “Today marks t...

Peter Dyke, Brendan O'Friel and Bruce Warman are to leave their posts as SIA board members on 1 April as their current terms come to end. Brendan and Bruce joined the board on 1 April 2003 with Peter joining on 1 November 2004. They were instrumental to the early days of SIA licensing and the development of the Approved Contractor Scheme. SIA Chairman Baroness Ruth Henig said: “Peter, Brendan and Bruce brought their experience and expertise to the SIA and have contributed immensely to the overall strategic direction of the organisation. I would like to thank them for all their hard work an...

London’s impressive Emirates Stadium provided the venue for the latest Reliance Security conference on 18th March. Catered to a diverse range of business environments and security requirements, the seminar was chaired by Mark Gilbert, Reliance Security’s Area Director for London. Presenters included a range of security industry experts, offering their advice and knowledge and a detailed insight into their experiences with a selection of security projects. A brief summary of speakers and themes from the seminar is provided below. Demonstrating the value of security Ken Livingstone from se...

A two-month operation aimed at increasing the safety of young people in Nottingham has been heralded a success after police connected with more than 2,000 young people. As part of Operation Portcullis more than 1,500 pupils have been educated by officers around the risks and consequences of carrying dangerous weapons and imitation weapons. In addition, street-based teams of Safer Neighbourhoods Officers, specialist Youth Offending police, social workers and youth workers have engaged with more than 500 youngsters in hotspot areas at key times, which is evening to night-time. And as part of a s...