News & Articles
SIA - Industry Matures
Speaking for the Security Industry as a whole we are delighted by the comments made by Lynne Featherstone MP, (Parliamentary Under Secretary of State for Equalities and Criminal information), at the SIA Conference 12 October 2011. One quote in particular is high praise indeed, ‘the growing maturity and professionalism of the industry’ for which we/all should be congratulated; including those people who have trained with us and are doing excellent work in their sectors.
In light of this favourable remark and our ambitious, challenging work in public protection was recognised further in that the functions of the SIA need no longer be performed by the Government and the responsibility of improved regulation should be handled by the Security Industry as a whole. Having said this, the Government will continue to work ’in tandem’ with the industry to maintain its credibility.
A Strategic Consultation Group has been set up, including representatives from the industry, ACPO, Scottish and Northern Ireland Governments and the Home Office to consider a detailed plan for the transition of new policies; the main focus being the licensing of businesses. One of the main directives will be sanctions posed against businesses that do not meet the criteria and terms and conditions which, if implemented; means rights to trade in the industry will be revoked. An on-line register will be made available soon of eligible individuals that will provide ‘common standards’ for those working in the industry in licensed businesses.
A public consultation will take place in 2012 which the Government hopes will provide a forum where the general public and individual businesses have the opportunity to comment on the proposed changes in order to ‘ensure a successful transition’ and hopefully achieve a balanced view of the security industry as a whole whilst maintaining the high standards already achieved.
Assistant Director Andrew Shephard and Quality Assurance Manager Jody Parker, from the Approved Contractor Scheme (ACS), set out plans for contractors already approved to automatically qualify for the new business licence and emphasised that the ACS will continue as normal until compulsory business licensing is established. They called for acknowledgement of the scheme within the proposed criteria stating that the ACS hallmark scheme was crucial to the industry.
Bill Butler, Chief Executive of the SIA, praised not only the industry in its continued maturity as a whole, but also the clarity and framework of the proposed changes, and the commitment from government in what will inevitably ensure higher standards of business and performance.
Change in any regulated business is inevitable, particularly ours which deals with the sensitive training issues relating to the current SIA Licence, but we are confident that given the overwhelming praise awarded to the security industry the proposals made at the conference will have a positive outcome.
The conference has clearly highlighted, for anyone reading this article who doesn’t work in the security industry, the high standards that have been met and all the Get-Licensed team are proud to be commended in such a way, especially by a representative from the government; but that doesn’t mean we’ll be wallowing in self-satisfaction.
Clearly there is only one course of action for us to take, and that is to continue to improve our services in order to ensure that all our candidates receive the best possible training and in doing so the reputation of the industry will continue to grow. In closing we’d like to give special thanks to all the trainees who have already qualified with us, your professionalism, dedication and expertise are much appreciated.
