As the government prepares for the introduction of the new counter terrorism legislation under the Terrorism (Protection of Premises) Bill, on 13 March it was announced that the SIA – the regulator of the private security industry – is to come under the portfolio of the Minister of State for Security Dan Jarvis in the Home Office.
Heather Baily, Chair of the SIA and Michelle Russell, Chief Executive of the SIA, said:
“We very much welcome this move as it ensures that both functions of the SIA, which include the existing regulation of the private security industry and the new Martyn’s Law regulator function, complement each other. This will improve protective security and security standards at venues across the UK. We also welcome the government’s intention to review the Manchester Arena Inquiry’s monitored recommendation 7 (removing the in-house licensing exemption) and monitored recommendation 8 (the introduction of business licensing) in the coming weeks. We look forward to working with the Home Office and the UK private security industry and stakeholders to support the government’s missions to make the UK safer from terrorism and ‘taking back our streets’.
These changes will have a significant impact on reducing the “Insider Threat”, by introducing background checks and licensing requirements on anyone carrying out licensable activities covered by the Private Security Industry Act 2001 (PSIA). The SIA will also be the regulator for introduction of the new Terrorism Bill.
What do you need to do?
- If you employ an “In-House” security team which carries out manned guarding, staff will need to apply for SIA Security Guard licences
- If your business deploys staff to carry out licensable activities, it will need an SIA Business Licence
- Contact your Security Advisory Consultant for guidance
Source: The SIA welcomes move to Homeland Security – GOV.UK
Importance: For action
For further assistance and support, please contact:
Jonathan Gladwin, Security Advisory Director; or your nominated Anti-Crime Specialist.