Setting strategic direction for the Security Industry Authority

On Thursday 12 March, Lords Minister Lord Hanson addressed Security and Policing, a conference bringing together law enforcement and security professionals from the UK and across the globe. Hosted by the Home Office’s Joint Security and Resilience Centre, Security and Policing is an opportunity to showcase the latest technology, training and support available to cut crime, prevent terrorism and to highlight the government’s growth agenda.

As part of a wider keynote speech, Lord Hanson announced that, for the first time, the Security Industry Authority (SIA) will be brought under the security minister’s portfolio, in a move that will ensure the SIA is provided clear, strategic direction from the Home Office on both regulation of ‘Martyn’s Law’ and the Protective Security Industry Act moving forward.

The minister also highlighted the SIA’s recently launched public consultation on proposed changes to its published licensing criteria. These changes are designed to ensure that only fit and proper people can work in regulated roles, and Lord Hanson encouraged all interested stakeholders to engage in the consultation, which will conclude on Tuesday 20 May.

Lord Hanson also restated the government’s commitment to delivering the intended outcomes of the Manchester Arena Inquiry. As part of this work, the security minister will be carefully reviewing monitored recommendations 7 and 8 of the inquiry, with a view to delivering better uniformity of standards in the private security industry, enhanced provision of security services, and effective counter-terrorism measures.

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