SIA chair and CEO issue end of year message for security industry

2022, of course, witnessed the COVID-19 pandemic in the UK beginning to lessen in its magnitude. Large public gatherings, celebrations, festivals, gigs and sporting events became possible again. The Commonwealth Games, Glastonbury and the Platinum Jubilee presented high-profile examples of the private security industry operating at its very best in supporting public safety.

Baily and Russell have stated: “While the country mourned the passing of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, thousands of you played your part in protecting the public as people queued and took part in events to pay their respects. You have continued to keep the public safe in all weathers every day this year with quiet valour and professionalism. We have also seen many reports of security operatives acting with kindness and bravery. On behalf of everyone at the Security Industry Authority (SIA), we thank you for your continued service.”

During the festive season, many security team members will be working to keep the public safe in towns and cities right across the UK. Staying vigilant throughout these winter months remains essential as threats of harm including terrorist threats have not gone away.

“The licensed security sector plays a critical role in deterrence, prevention and, when needed, response,” assert Baily and Russell. “You are also critical in keeping people safe from predatory and unwanted attention and calling out unacceptable behaviour when you see it.”

20th Anniversary

2023 marks the 20th Anniversary of the start of the Private Security Industry Act and licensed security. Baily, Russell and their colleagues at the SIA will be reflecting on this throughout next year. With the record number of licence holders now standing at upwards of 400,000, Baily and Russell believe there is much about which the industry can be proud. “There have been considerable improvements in private security standards and public safety since regulation began, but here is more to do.”

This year also witnessed the launch of a Private Security Industry Skills Board. The Skills Board is led by – and comprised of – senior industry figures who want to drive improvement across the whole industry. “Our role as the regulator is to support the Skills Board’s work,” affirm Baily and Russell.

Further, the duo observe: “We will be working with the Skills Board to support a strategic and long-term plan for skills development that will strengthen the contribution the industry makes to protecting the public and enhancing public safety, as well as increasing the ability of the industry to attract, develop, reward and retain employees and further professionalise private security. In turn, this should give confidence to buyers that skilled professional security is not a ‘desirable’, but rather an ‘essential’.”

Baily and Russell are also “excited” about the progress this year of a Government-approved apprentice scheme for front line security professionals, which will be made available in the early part of 2023.

Looking ahead

Speaking of the New Year, Baily and Russell write: “As we look ahead to the coming year, we will stay focused on public safety. You will continue to see an increase in our visibility as we step up our compliance and enforcement work across the UK. We will also continue to make further improvements to our licensing processes and digital systems so that our services are easier to access for our licence holders and Approved Contractor Scheme registrants.”

Those at the SIA are “proud” to work with an industry that has risen to the challenges of this year. “There is no doubt that the changing landscape in which the private security industry is operating, and the ongoing cost-of-living crisis, will continue to test the resolve of both individuals and businesses in 2023.” 

Baily and Russell have publicly thanked their own teams at the SIA who work tirelessly to deliver and support the services provided. “What unites us with you in these uncertain times is our shared commitment to protecting the public and the pursuit of Best Practice in the private security industry.”

In closing, Baily and Russell comment: “We wish you and your colleagues and families a safe and Happy Christmas and a great New Year.”