The S12 has submitted its formal response to the Home Office consultation examining recommendations arising from the Manchester Arena Inquiry, alongside a letter confirming its support for recommendations MR7 and MR8.
The consultation considers two proposals affecting the private security sector:
A review of whether in-house CCTV operators should be required to hold licences (MR7)
Consideration of licensing requirements for contractors providing security services (MR8)
The issue follows evidence presented during the inquiry into the 2017 Manchester Arena attack, where two CCTV operators working at the venue were subject to different regulatory arrangements. One operator was employed by a contractor and therefore required to hold a licence issued by the Security Industry Authority (SIA), while the other worked in-house and was not subject to the same licensing requirement.
Alongside the question of CCTV licensing, the consultation also asks whether similar regulatory requirements should apply to other in-house security roles. These could include close protection personnel, security guarding staff and those involved in cash and valuables in transit operations.
The consultation also considers the wider regulatory framework. Under the current system, the SIA does not have powers to oversee security businesses or the individuals who manage them. In addition, the Private Security Industry Act 2001 (PSIA) does not provide the regulator with sufficient enforcement mechanisms in certain circumstances.
The S12 has expressed support for the introduction of mandatory business licensing, noting that any regulatory changes would need to be practical and workable for the sector.
In the letter accompanying the response, S12 Chair Paul Evans said:
“Whilst fully in support of both proposals, we also believe that firm consideration should be given to awarding the industry regulator, the Security Industry Authority, additional powers, most notably those that relate to the Regulation of Investigatory Powers Act 2000 (RIPA).
“The S12 would support any move that further enhances the performance of the regulator, and it is clear, based on levels of organised crime and corruption observed, that such powers would offer even more protection to the public.
“Representing companies that account for broadly a third of all security officers, we also wish to offer the SIA and Home Office the potential of using the S12 as a ‘testbed’ for the new legislation if successfully taken through the relevant and appropriate channels.”
The outcome of the consultation is expected to be announced at a later date.