Heather Baily QPM has been appointed by the Home Office as the new Chair of the UK’s Security Industry Authority (SIA).
Starting her term on the 7th June 2021, which will last for three years, Heather Baily will contribute to the overall strategic direction and corporate oversight of the SIA. She will ensure that the SIA’s Executive Team is held to account for discharging its duties effectively and to the highest possible standards.
Heather Baily QPM
Michelle Russell, Acting Chief Executive of the SIA, said: “On behalf of the Authority Members and colleagues at the SIA, we welcome Heather Baily as our new Chair. She brings with her a wealth of experience in both non executive and executive roles in public service. We all look forward to working closely with Heather in the future.”
Heather Baily takes over from the Acting Chair, David Horncastle, who was appointed on an interim basis in January 2021 following the retirement of Elizabeth France.
Michelle added: “We would also like to thank David Horncastle who has been interim Chair of the SIA since the start of the year and before that Deputy Chair. His insight and guidance have been invaluable over the years, and we will miss his sound advice and the support he has provided us.”
Heather has spent the majority of her professional career in policing, initially with the Metropolitan Police Service and later with Hertfordshire Constabulary where she served as an Assistant Chief Constable with responsibility for major crime, counter terrorism and safeguarding. She was the East of England lead for serious and organised crime and led the Constabulary’s response to collaboration with Bedfordshire and later Cambridgeshire police services. As Deputy Chief Constable, she continued to lead on wider collaboration in addition to corporate and legal services and HR.
On leaving policing, she took up a role with the Garda Inspectorate in Ireland, inspecting policing services. Since then, she has held posts as a Board member with the NCA and Police Remuneration Review Body and as a Non-Executive Director with the Department of Justice in Northern Ireland. She is currently a Non-Executive Director with Dorset Healthcare University NHS Trust and Deputy Chair of the Trust.
Heather said about her appointment: “I am delighted to be appointed as Chair of the SIA. This is an important time for the organisation, as the SIA continues with its plans, having in the past year to respond quickly to the impact of the pandemic. I look forward to working with the dedicated staff there and with our partners as we shape the organisation to ensure that the SIA is as effective, productive and consistently reliable and operates to the principles of the Regulators‘ code.”
In related news, the SIA grant for good causes donated £9,372.23 to the Charitable Trust of the Worshipful Company of Security Professionals COVID-19 crisis fund for security personnel.
Launched in January 2021, The Worshipful Company of Security Professionals Charitable Trust crisis fund seeks to help those working within the security industry in a front line, security role who have suffered as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. This includes those in private security as well as blue light services and the military.
The SIA’s grant comes from monies recovered from the proceeds of crime confiscation orders under the Proceeds of Crime Act 2002 (POCA). Since 2017 the SIA has been pursuing financial recovery from convicted criminals following prosecution. Where the SIA has brought a prosecution and there has been a conviction, the SIA may undertake confiscation proceedings against those convicted. If successful, the SIA receives a percentage of the confiscated money. The proceeds must be used to either fund good causes or further SIA financial investigations.
The Worshipful Company of Security Professionals Charitable Trust is offering two types of grants:
Members of the private security industry who fit the criteria can apply for the grant by downloading the application form here. For more information about the Worshipful Company of Security Professionals Charitable Trust COVID fund, please visit the website here.
A business can also apply for the fund on behalf of their employees and funds are paid directly to the employee.
Connect 2021 is your first major opportunity to come together with the security industry online from 1-30 June!
The month-long online event will give attendees the opportunity to make up for lost time by browsing security solutions, connecting with suppliers and accessing thought-leadership content - all from the comfort of your own home or workplace!
