United Kingdom: The Security Industry Authority (SIA) has launched a public consultation on key principles underpinning its business authorization scheme. The changes under consideration represent a significant change in the way SIA approves businesses under the scheme.
A primary goal of the new scheme is to ensure public protection through the redefining of standards for security businesses. The SIA approves approximately 750 security businesses in the UK. Out of these, the 85 largest businesses by turnover make up around 40 percent of the private security market in the UK and employ about 30 percent of all SIA licence holders.
The Business Approval Scheme is a voluntary, quality-based scheme aimed at promoting good business practices and improvement of industry standards. Over the past year, SIA has engaged with key stakeholders and industry sectors to communicate their thinking through roadshows and roundtables across the UK.
The SIA is seeking feedback on the principles behind this change from the private security industry, customers, representatives, standard-setting bodies and agencies, the public, and individuals interested in public safety.
Steve McCormick, SIA Director of Licensing and Service Delivery, stated that, “Since the SIA established its approval scheme in 2006, there have been many changes in terms of customer requirements, an increased demand for private security, and new emerging threats to public safety.”
“The growing recognition of the critical role private security plays in public safety means there is a clear need for a new scheme which is grounded in public protection. This is an opportunity to shape how the SIA sets standards for private security businesses to ensure they contribute to public protection and raise industry standards in the years ahead,” he added.
The consultation period will be six weeks and a summary of responses will be published within 12 weeks of the consultation’s end. After completing the detailed design, SIA will consult further on proposals for a new business authorisation scheme.
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