Greater protection for whistleblowing affirmed by SIA

Protected disclosures can cover a range of wrongdoing reported by workers, including the reporting of unlicensed security, suspected fraudulent activity and other criminal offences, as well as additional non-compliance and risks posed to public safety.

Workers might make a disclosure to the SIA anonymously or confidentially under these new powers. Workers wishing to report concerns can read the SIA’s new whistleblowing guidance on what prescribed person status means for them and how to make a disclosure to the regulator.

The SIA has consulted with – and has the ongoing support of – Protect (the UK’s whistleblowing charity) about these changes and how best to ensure whistleblowers feel confident in making disclosures to the SIA.

Heard and supported

Michelle Russell, CEO at the SIA, said: “All those who work in private security should feel confident that, when they speak up to raise concerns, they are heard and supported. We expect security companies to create an environment where concerns can be raised openly, looked into fairly and issues addressed promptly.”

Russell continued: “The SIA cannot carry out its role effectively as the private security industry’s regulator without the help of individuals prepared to call out wrongdoing and step forward to provide us with details of what they have seen. These changes mean that workers are, quite rightly, protected in law when making whistleblowing disclosures to the SIA.”

Further, Russell noted: “By supporting those who speak up, collectively the SIA, employers and those in the private security industry will root out criminality, improve standards and, ultimately, strengthen public trust in private security and those who work to protect the public and premises across the UK.”

Significant step forward

David Ward MBE, founder of the City Security Council, stated: “This is a significant and very welcome step forward for the private security industry and one that I’m particularly pleased to see following earlier engagement with the SIA on this issue on behalf of the City Security Council. For some time, there has been a clear gap in providing front line officers and industry professionals with a trusted and protected route to raise concerns directly with the regulator.”

Ward concluded: “The SIA achieving prescribed person status under the Public Interest Disclosure Act 1998 sends a strong and necessary signal that speaking up is not only supported, but also fundamental for raising standards, addressing malpractice and protecting the public.”

The SIA’s prescribed status currently covers its work as the regulator of the private security industry. Whistleblowing under Martyn’s Law is planned to be included in the SIA’s prescribed person status when the new law is implemented. The latter is expected to occur in the early part of next year.