Brian Sims
Editor

Michelle Russell appointed CEO at Security Industry Authority

HEATHER BAILY QPM, chair of the Security Industry Authority (SIA), has announced the appointment of Michelle Russell as the private security industry regulator’s full-time CEO.

Russell has been serving as acting CEO of the SIA since October 2020 having joined the organisation as director of partnerships and interventions in January of the same year, subsequently leading the criminal enforcement and regulatory inspection functions.

Russell harbours over 25 years’ experience of working in regulation and regulatory environments in both the public and private sectors.

Commenting on the appointment, Baily said: “I’m delighted to announce that Michelle Russell is appointed substantively to the role of CEO. We conducted a rigorous recruitment campaign to identify the best possible candidate for the CEO’s role during the summer of this year, supported by an independent executive recruitment company. The final interview panel was unanimous in its view that Michelle was the best person for this important role.”

Baily added: “This appointment has ministerial support from both the Home Office and from ministers in the devolved administrations of Northern Ireland and Scotland. Michelle brings a wealth of experience in the public sector together with positive, inclusive leadership skills and strong personal values to the role of CEO. She will now continue to build on the excellent work that the SIA is delivering nationally, with a continued focus on public safety.”

The SIA is the organisation directly responsible for regulating the private security industry in the UK, reporting to the Home Secretary under the terms of the Private Security Industry Act 2001. Its main duties are the compulsory licensing of individuals undertaking designated activities and managing the voluntary Approved Contractor Scheme.

*Further information concerning the SIA is available online at www.gov.uk/sia

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