Members of the British Security Industry Association (BSIA) were among industry people at the 2017 Security Industry Authority‘s annual Stakeholder Conference on Tuesday, March 14.
The conference focused on partnership working and provided an opportunity for the regulator to engage with the industry. SIA Chair, Elizabeth France, and CEO, Alan Clamp, set out the regulator’s priorities for the year.
Delegates were largely in favour of maintaining a robust regulatory framework. Regulation of the security industry has suffered uncertainty ever since the SIA initially came under threat during the then Coalition Government’s so-called ‘bonfire of the quangos’ in 2010. The industry retained regulation of the private security industry. The BSIA recalls that the then Home Secretary, Teresa May, conceded to the association’s position that regulation is essential in maintaining a professional security industry, acknowledging the maturity of the industry and deciding instead to opt for a move towards ‘lighter touch’ regulation.
Despite this initially positive response, the trade body adds, the process to develop lighter touch regulation and the discussions aimed at implementing it lasted five years, without fruition, as the Government failed to provide an appropriate legislative vehicle by which to launch it.
That failure was regrettable, the association says, given the industry’s modern day role in supporting police and protecting the country’s critical national infrastructure. As a result, the proposed move towards business licensing – announced by the regulator and the government but shelved in 2015 – left all stakeholders uncertain.
In 2016, the SIA was subjected to an Independent Review, during which the BSIA lobbied for a number of outcomes. These included the reaffirmation of business licensing in place of the current system od badgingonly for individuals, the inclusion of the ‘in-house’ sector within the regulator’s ambit, and greater recognition of the industry’s role in protecting the public and businesses.
The Independent Reviewer’s report has as the BSIA points out languished within government corridors for the last eight months. The SIA’s Chief Executive, Alan Clamp, hinted during the conference that the report would finally be presented to Home Office ministers shortly after Easter.
James Kelly, Chief Executive of the BSIA, pictured, said after the event: “It is hoped that the BSIA positions will be supported in the final report, and the industry will finally have a clear steer on its likely regulatory obligations and the cost base underpinning it. The ongoing uncertainty about its future cost base and compliance requirements constitutes a potential risk to community safety and to the financial stability of a vital part of the country’s economy.”
For more about the BSIA and its lobbying, visit https://www.bsia.co.uk/join-the-bsia/benefits-of-membership/representation.aspx.
