Mike Cunningham CBE QPM appointed chair of SIA

The chair of the SIA is responsible for leading the Board in carrying out its responsibilities to deliver ministerial expectations and the strategic objectives of the SIA. The SIA chair is responsible to the Home Secretary for the governance and performance of the SIA as an arm’s length body of the Home Office.

Key responsibilities of the role include providing effective strategic leadership at Board level, supporting the SIA in meeting its statutory objectives and its role in the wider security landscape, ensuring good governance and risk management and building effective stakeholder relationships.

Cunningham has been involved in policing and community safety for over 30 years now, serving as chief constable of Staffordshire Police from 2009 to 2014. Indeed, Cunningham received an honorary doctorate from the University of Staffordshire in 2014 in recognition of his significant contribution to policing and law and order.

Further, Cunningham has served as His Majesty’s Inspector of Constabulary with lead responsibility for inspecting forces in the north of England and Northern Ireland and also CEO of the College of Policing from 2018, duly setting standards for policing in England and Wales.

In 2021, Cunningham was appointed as lead commissioner for a ‘Government Intervention’ into Liverpool City Council, after which he was the independent chair of the Council Improvement Board.

In 2013, Cunningham received the Queen’s Police Medal, attaining his CBE in 2021. He’s also chair of the Catholic Safeguarding Standards Agency.

Leadership experience 

Michelle Russell, CEO of the SIA, stated: “On behalf of the SIA Board and colleagues at the SIA, we welcome Mike Cunningham as our new chair. Mike brings with him a wealth of leadership experience in both non-executive and executive roles in public service and community safety. We look forward to working with Mike and driving forward our strategic plans and ambitions.”

Russell added: “We would like to thank Heather Baily for her integrity and wisdom as chair of the SIA. She has overseen significant changes at the SIA and it regulatory approach since her appointment in 2021. Heather’s leadership has been marked by her drive to ensure the SIA worked visibly across all parts of the UK and her deep and sincere care for front line officers working tirelessly to safeguard the public and deliver public safety outcomes. We’re hugely grateful to her for all of her hard work and commitment.”

Commenting on his appointment, Cunningham observed: “It’s a privilege to take on the role of chair of the SIA. A significant amount has been achieved over the five years of Heather Baily’s tenure. This is an important time for the SIA as it prepares to take on responsibilities as the new regulator for Martyn’s Law. I look forward to working with the SIA’s executive leadership, all of the dedicated staff and partner organisations in order to build on the excellent work so far and ensure the SIA continues making a significant contribution to keeping places and people safe and secure across the UK.”

Security Minister Dan Jarvis explained: “The SIA has an important role to play in supporting the public safety priorities of the Government. Mike Cunningham has an impressive track record and has demonstrated a strong commitment to public and community safety throughout his career. I look forward to working closely with him. I also want to thank Heather Baily for her tireless dedication to her work as chair of the SIA over the last five years.”

Public protection 

The SIA’s primary focus is public protection. It’s a high performing, UK-wide regulator that raises standards for both individuals and companies working in the private security industry. As stated, in due course the SIA will also become the new regulator for Martyn’s Law.

In regulating the private security industry in the UK, the SIA reports to the Home Secretary under the terms of the Private Security Industry Act 2001. It’s main duties are the compulsory licensing of individuals undertaking certain designated security activities, managing the voluntary quality scheme for Approved Contractors and inspecting (and enforcing) non-compliance.

The SIA was named as the new regulator for Martyn’s Law under the Terrorism (Protection of Premises) Act 2025. When the legislation is commenced, at least two years from Royal Assent, Martyn’s Law will require those responsible for certain public premises and events to put in place procedures and measures to protect their premises and be prepared to keep people safe in the event of a terrorist attack.

There are six non-executive members (including the chair) on the SIA’s Board. They possess a complementary set of skills and experience, including knowledge and experience of the private security industry, buyers, public safety, law enforcement, regulation and governance.

*Further information concerning the Security Industry Authority can be accessed online at www.gov.uk/sia