Una's blog

SIA CEO Ian Todd

by Mark Rowe

Our regular contributor Una Riley has met most of the chairs and chiefs of the Security Industry Authority since the SIA’s day one in 2003. So she was glad to meet the CEO Ian Todd, of whom she had heard a lot of good things.

I have had dealings with the SIA since the Private Security Industry Act 2001 was passed and the SIA was introduced to regulate the private security industry. I was heavily involved with the BSIA at that time. I had enjoyed reading the interview in this magazine (in August and September) which outlined his extensive background, his skills and suitability for his role, in particular his front-line experience having trained and worked for 15 years as a paramedic. I am sure it is that experience that has enabled his empathic approach to the in-depth work carried out by security staff.

Visits

He was appointed CEO one year ago; on February 25. But in that short time, he has visited many across the country and met many people within the field of licensing. The SIA’s annual Conference was held at the Oval Cricket Ground in London on November 12. Given that was his first, the feedback from his performance has been very positive. I spoke to one attendee who said: “This was one of the best SIA conferences I have attended for some time. The new CEO appears to have a genuine grasp on what it is like to be on the front-line and the many aspects associated with being a private security officer.” I also received excellent feedback from colleagues who had attended the conference and agreed that it had a positive vibe and that it was all good. They felt that the SIA was moving towards an actual understanding of the industry in which they regulate. The SIA conference was kicked off by Todd introducing himself (pictured, by Mark Rowe). He conveyed to the delegates his background of public service and his front-line, emergency service experience. He also touched on his former role as deputy director general at the Independent Office for Police Conduct. He explained how important it was to him to understand the sector and be responsive, whilst advocating the need for a collaborative approach. However, he was quick to also outline the difference between a regulator and a trade association or other type of lead body. What resonated most with the delegates I spoke to was the recognition by him of the complexity of the large and diverse private security industry and how important it is to public safety.

Understanding

He acknowledged some of the challenges facing businesses in the sector. This has been an important issue from the start of regulation. Some people felt a lack of understanding from the regulator in the past, about how actual market forces operated. Ian Todd put across to the audience that he was aware of the pressure from buyers; about how more of licence holders need not translate into a deployable resource, and how recruitment and retention of good quality staff is important. He also outlined the challenges that face individual licence holders, such as low pay, zero-hour contracts, lack of holiday pay, sick pay and pension contributions; while doing a job that can involve facing violence and caring for the public. He said at the conference: “Security operatives are the first uniformed people on the scene who help and support frightened members of the public before the emergency services get there.” The vibe from the conference was one of optimism, so I was really looking forward to getting to know the man behind the role. After brief introductions, getting the coffee ordered and settling into the comfortable chairs. my first question was; what are your main aims for the SIA over the next three years?

Perception versus reality

He responded: “I think from my perspective, that the SIA fulfils its statutory duties;and does it well. I asked him to explain further. He went on: “In terms of those specific things that are laid out in legislation. So, for example, the licensing of individuals and the approved contractor’s scheme. I want to ensure that they are both run well and to be able to identify the opportunity to improve. We can look at those more general functions, around protecting the public and improving standards. I would like to really make sure that the country as a whole recognises the private security industries capability and what it can add.” We went on to speak at length about the perception, versus the reality of security in general.

Public not aware

Ian Todd continued: “Personally, I think the general public do not understand the complexity of the role of a door supervisor. For instance, a door supervisor is potentially looking out for signs of child exploitation outside a nightclub on a Friday night.” We discussed that although that may sound dramatic to the public, they also don’t realise the enormity of the role a security offer plays. He went on: “The public don’t understand that a security guard on a construction site, are at risk of being both victims of modern-day slavery but can also look out for the signs of modern- day slavery in others. The public are not really aware of the role that private security is currently playing in the counter-terrorism agenda.” He is very passionate in his delivery and seems honestly committed to getting it right for all concerned. He went on: “There’s a huge amount we need to do to represent the industry’s capability back to the public at large. Also, to government through the National Police Chiefs Council. We can really start to professionalize and enhance the reputation of private security industry. We should demonstrate adding value. We need to increase the profile with buyers, so that we can start to move away from a race to the bottom; in terms of security being a grudge purchase based around a minimum national minimum wage. Instead we should be demonstrating the added value that security can bring.” I have to say that I have not yet met any of the former CEOs of the SIA that seem as industry focused on the role of the security officer; he genuinely knows what they are going through on the front line. His experience as a paramedic has served him well in regard to his understanding of the complexity of an officer’s role and at the same time, the need for ‘fit for purpose’ regulation. He speaks soft and fast; his passion is evident as he assembles his thoughts and speech. I asked about his current strategy.

On strategy

He smiled as he said: “I think it’s very easy to have a strategy, you know, but as one of my former bosses said to me; a strategy is all well and good, but what are you actually doing?” A man after my own heart. Strategies are great if they are implemented but I have witnessed huge amounts of time and energy that created strategies which are never acted upon; other than to update the strategy documents! He seems to be the type of person that will roll his sleeves up and get on with the job; not a talker; a doer. As a former business owner, I asked what does the SIA bring to the very small business commercially? He said: “I think at the moment there is a real challenge around that. The small business feedback is that the margins are tight, and contracts are offered on the basis of who is willing to offer the lowest price. There are some challenges around the ACS [Approved Contractor Scheme] and the layers of sub-contracting. It’s making sure those margins stay legitimate all the way down the chain. It’s about demonstrating the professionalisation of the industry through the added value that the industry is bringing. It is ensuring that procurement is being done on a balance of quality and delivery, as well as just price. It’s frustrating when we see a regulated profession, where people have to meet and reach a minimum standard and then have to get a national qualification. They in turn have to pay to become licensed. After all that they are potentially working on the door of a night club on a Friday night,and actually the bar staff are getting the same amount of money; plus tips! The bar staff potentially have no skills, no qualifications, and no need for them to be criminally record checked to demonstrate that they are of a particular standard prior to serving a drink. That’s where we’ve got to demonstrate that standards and regulation adds value to the individuals and to the businesses.” I couldn’t agree more.

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