Professor Sir Desmond Rea has joined the Security Industry Authority as a Non-Executive Board Member to represent the interests of Northern Ireland.
Sir Desmond will work closely with the SIA Chairman and board in relation to the new regulatory regime being proposed by the Government, contributing to the overall strategic direction of the SIA and to ensuring that the SIA carries out its duties effectively and efficiently.
Sir Desmond was appointed by the Home Office after open competition to find a new board member with sound knowledge of Northern Ireland. He has been appointed for a three-year term.
SIA Chairman Ruth Henig said: “It is vital that the SIA has someone who will represent the interests of Northern Ireland in relation to the private security industry, as well as support it in providing an external perspective and challenge to the SIA’s work.
“I am delighted to welcome Sir Desmond to the SIA. He joins at a time when the SIA is committed to ensuring it meets the Government’s aims for reforming the regulation of the private security industry and putting in place a new regulatory regime that focuses on the licensing of businesses.”
Sir Desmond is Emeritus Professor of Human Resource Management, University of Ulster. He is a former Chairman of Northern Ireland Policing Board (2001 to 2009) and Northern Ireland Labour Relations Agency (1996 to 2002). He edited First Trust Bank’s Quarterly Economic Outlook & Business Review for some 25 years. He has held Non-Executive Directorships with United Dairy Farmers (1996 to 1999) and AIB (UK) plc. (1997 to 2004); he is currently Non- Executive Chairman, NIJobs.com. He is an independent business consultant/adviser/mentor.