SIA chairman Ruth Henig outlined plans for future regulation at the SIA conference held at the Honourable Artillery Company in central London yesterday [March 30]. Ruth Henig told delegates: “Today’s conference marks the beginning of a new phase in the evolution of regulation.” She called for views and input during the transition to new regulation, to ensure the SIA, the private security industry and the Government work together to shape the future regime.
She told the 200-strong audience: “We have a real opportunity to reshape regulation, to further drive up standards and reduce the threat from criminal activity. We want you, who work in the industry, to be actively involved in the front line of change, making it happen in a way which suits your needs. We want to see regulation based on business registration, qualifications managed by the industry and a clear focus on professionalism and on quality standards. Between us we have a real opportunity to translate this vision into reality and to start to adapt the current regime where we can to meet the needs if the future.”
Tyson Hepple, Home Office director of civil liberties and public protection, gave an overview from the Home Office, reiterating that there would be no significant changes before the 2012 Olympics. He said: “We have asked the SIA to work with you, the industry, towards the new regulatory regime. We are looking for a suitable legislative vehicle to wind down the SIA and put in place a new regulatory regime. What we want to achieve is a statutory regulator with teeth.”
Stephen McCormick, SIA director of service delivery, outlined principles for the new regulatory regime, noting that there would be continued robust compliance and enforcement, with a new independent regulator outside government and a focus on the areas of greatest risk. There will be businesses licensing, and a register of individuals working in the industry, he continued. The new regime will mean a significant transfer of responsibility to industry, with qualifications, professionalism and quality the responsibility of industry. The aim is to educe the overall cost of regulation, and to ensure that new regulation can meet the needs of Scotland & Northern Ireland.
Stephen McCormick said: “We need to ensure continued compliance and licensing under current regulation, and start work on transferring activities to the new regime. It is important that we maintain stability and continuity.”
A second SIA future of regulation conference will be held in the north of England in Autumn 2011.
For speech transcripts visit: www.sia.homeoffice.gov.uk/conference
For up to date information on the transition visit the SIA’s future of regulation page: www.sia.homeoffice.gov.uk/future