Members of the Security Industry Authority’s Board have paid a visit to Belfast this week, meeting with the Minister for Justice David Ford MLA and also holding a Board meeting.
In addition, the Regulator’s chairman Baroness Ruth Henig appeared before the Northern Ireland Assembly Committee for Justice to give an overview of the organisation’s work to date, specifically outlining collaboration with partners such as the Department of Justice and the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) and the success of compliance and enforcement work (which has revealed 96% compliance with licensing requirements).
The Baroness went on to explain the priority areas identified by the Regulator for Northern Ireland going forward, specifically including:
The Baroness commented: “I’m very pleased with the success of the roll-out of licensing in Northern Ireland and the high levels of compliance that are being achieved. The future approach to regulation is being considered at present, and will be subject to the decisions of the Elected Assembly.”
In addition, Baroness Henig stated: “Our aim is to maintain a consistent regulatory regime for the UK as a whole and we are looking to you as our partners to work with us in shaping the future regime so that we all play our part in developing regulation that’s fit for purpose in Northern Ireland.”
Currently in Northern Ireland there have been close on 11,000 licence cards issued and there are 53 Approved Contractor Scheme members in operation.
Northern Ireland Asembly Committee for Justice: the Baroness’ speech in full
“SIA licensing has now been in place in Northern Ireland for two years, and there was a smooth and effective implementation. By the end of last year close to 11,000 licences had been issued and there are 53 ACS members operating in Northern Ireland.
“SIA research carried out in 2008 and 2011 showed that employees, employers and buyers recognise the benefits of SIA licensing and the ACS scheme. They noted the exclusion of criminals from the industry, improved standards and increased public confidence. I saw evidence of this for myself when I was in Northern Ireland last summer: I visited an ACS company and was very impressed with their working practices.
“Working closely with partner organisations has been key to the success achieved in Northern Ireland. We have worked closely with the Department of Justice, the police and other partners. With the PSNI, we have conducted joint compliance operations, helping to bring about a decline in the number of incidents at venues and raising the standards of door supervisors.
“Effective sharing of intelligence with the service is helping to reduce and combat criminality. Work continues to build strong relationships with local authorities in Northern Ireland and increase the take-up of SIA delegated powers. We are also working to build productive partnerships with UKBA, Trading Standards and HMRC in Northern Ireland to raise awareness and promote regulation.
“In addition, a good working relationship has been developed with the Private Security Authority, the regulator in the Republic of Ireland, and SIA chief executive Bill Butler has met with the chief executive to share Best Practice.
“Our proposals for a future regulatory regime aim for a consistent approach across the UK, and the position in Northern Ireland will ultimately be decided upon by the devolved administration.”
Compliance and enforcement: results to date
“There are two resident SIA investigators in Northern Ireland. This has been welcomed by local partners, has aided compliance and means any issues that arise can be addressed quickly.
“Prior to the offence date in Northern Ireland, we worked closely with businesses and individuals in the industry to ensure they were familiar with the requirements of regulation. Meetings were also held with ex-prisoner groups to understand their concerns over issues around conflict-related convictions and identify solutions where possible.
“Following the introduction of licensing, inspections have revealed compliance rates in excess of 96%. In order to maintain this, we continue to undertake intelligence-led operations both independently and with partners. Non-statutory sanctions may be issued.
“We have conducted extensive work to develop a robust policy on licence applicants with conflict-related convictions, dealing with them in a way that’s consistent with decisions relating to applicants from across Great Britain. The refusal rate in Northern Ireland is actually slightly lower than in the UK as a whole – just 3% are refused. Our policy on conflict convictions has been effective, but of course with any licensing regime there have been certain difficult cases. There are some complex issues remaining which we are working through together with relevant partners.”
The situation going forward
“The SIA has identified the areas that will be our priorities in Northern Ireland going forward. Firstly, we want to increase the volume of intelligence received from individuals and partners. We will continue to build on the relationship with PSNI in joint working towards tackling non-compliance; prosecution of offences and combating serious and organised crime.
“We will be engaging with the Better Regulation Agenda and Regulations Forum; and we will carry on building relationships with local authorities and looking to increase the take-up of delegated powers.
“We will continue to deal with non-compliance in a proportionate and robust manner. We aim to increase the respect for, and trust in, the SIA with partners and stakeholders in Northern Ireland.
“And, finally, we will prepare partners and stakeholders for transition to a new regulatory regime, subject of course to the consultation exercise being carried out by the Department of Justice for Northern Ireland.
“The SIA as an organisation is in a transition period, and our planning process will include considerations for Northern Ireland. All of this is subject to the decisions of the devolved administration. However, our goal is to achieve one regulatory regime for the UK as a whole.
“We are very much looking to you as our partners to work with us in shaping the future regime so that we all play our part in developing regulation that’s fit for purpose in Northern Ireland.”
