Over the past few weeks I have continued work on the proposed changes to regulation of the private security industry and we have held two major events: the first of this year’s SIA Stakeholder Conferences and a meeting with a Working Group of security buyers.
Our first Stakeholder Conference of 2011 took place on 30 March in central London, and was a chance for the 200 delegates to hear more about our plans for the future and to ask their own questions.
A senior official from the Home Office gave an update on the Government’s intentions for the changes, and delegates took part in a series of workshops to discuss future regulation.
David Evans from the BSIA spoke on the security requirements at the Olympic and Paralympic Games, and there was a panel debate involving security suppliers and buyers as well as representatives from the insurance and training sectors.
Meeting with the key Stakeholders
These events (which are paid for by attendees) give us an opportunity to meet with those involved in the industry and hear what they have to say.
The conference was a good start to our programme, and we received some valuable feedback. Most importantly, I think we persuaded those attending that it’s worth telling us what they think about the future of regulation.
They do have a role to play in the future, as they will have greater responsibility for ensuring that regulation works.
With so much going on, we are planning a second Stakeholder Conference to be held in the north of England later this year. All of the information from the London event is now on our website [access the dedicated link on the right hand panel of this page].
Engaging with security buyers
I also attended a useful meeting on 5 April with those who buy and rely on private security to discuss with that group what the implications of the transition to a new regime would be for them.
This was the second such meeting of its kind, and we are looking to hold further meetings later this year.
It’s important to hear views from the buyers’ perspective as well as the individuals and businesses that provide security services.
Many of those we licence cannot attend such events, and so we are looking at ways of providing opportunities for people to tell us what is important to them. We hope to hold some workshops around the UK later this year.
Communicating via social media
In the meantime, we plan to host some dedicated question and answer sessions and discussion groups on our Facebook page.
Facebook is a very cost-effective way of sharing information and getting feedback and I do read all of the comments that are posted, however uncomfortable they might be.
On 15 April, I attended the Security Research Forum which comprises those with an interest in researching the private security industry. The Forum meets every six months to share knowledge and experience, and to develop opportunities for collaboration on future research projects.
At the latest meeting we discussed the research on the impact of the recession on security businesses. The findings of the study conducted by National Doorwatch following the survey of door supervisors were also presented. This valuable research has now been published on our website.
Finally, we’re currently finalising our accounts for the past year. I’ll give you an update on how we have been managing our finances in my next blog.
Bill Butler is the CEO of the Security Industry Authority