Security Industry Authority Member (Non-Executive Directors)

Security Industry Authority Member (SIA) - Chair of Audit and Risk Committee

Location - Multiple Locations. Non-Executive Directors are required to attend Board and strategy meetings in person at SIA Headquarters in London and on occasions other parts of the UK. Committee meetings are a mix of in-person and online meetings

Number of vacancies - 1

Reporting to - Home Secretary, through the SIA Chair

Time commitment - Based on a minimum time commitment of 24 days per annum, up to 32 days per annum

Remuneration - £10,000 per annum

Length of term - Three years

Application deadline - 11pm on 14 July 2025

About the Security Industry Authority (SIA)

The SIA is the UK regulator responsible for overseeing and licensing the private security industry. It is an independent body reporting to the Home Secretary, under the terms of the Private Security Industry Act 2001. Its purpose is to protect the public through effective regulation of the private security industry and working with partners to raise standards across the sector. Its remit covers the United Kingdom. It is an arm’s length body (ALB) of the Home Office.

Following Royal assent of the Terrorism (Protection of Premises) Act, the SIA is now preparing to fulfil the regulatory function for Martyn’s Law, new arrangements which will come into effect in 2027 and will improve protective security and organizational preparedness in premises across the UK. This will require premises and event organizers to have clear plans to respond to a terrorist attack.

Role and Background

In relation to the private security industry, the SIA has two main duties. One is the compulsory licensing of individuals undertaking designated activities within the private security industry; the other is to manage the voluntary Approved Contractor Scheme, which measures private security suppliers against independently assessed criteria. SIA licensing covers security guarding, door supervision, close protection, cash and valuables in transit, and public space surveillance using CCTV, key holding and (in Northern Ireland) vehicle immobilisation. Licensing ensures that private security operatives are fit and proper persons who have appropriate entry training and are qualified to do their job.

The SIA’s Approved Contractor Scheme (ACS) sets out operational and performance standards for suppliers of private security services. Businesses that meet these standards are awarded Approved Contractor status. This accreditation provides purchasers of private security services with independent proof of a contractor’s commitment to quality. Following the Manchester Arena Inquiry Report, the SIA is now developing a new Business Approval Scheme which will replace ACS in time.

The SIA also has an important role in contributing towards improved public safety outcomes in the wide range of environments where the private security industry operates. Together with key stakeholders, SIA contributes to the national government aims to reduce crime, violence and disorder and the fear of crime. The new regulatory function for Martyn’s Law augments the SIAs role in preventing acts of terrorism and ensuring that premises and events have a clear plan to respond if an act of terrorism does occur.

Essential criteria

· Successful track record of achievement at Board-level or equivalent, with the ability to effectively contribute to a Board environment, operating strategically, providing robust and reasoned challenge, as well as support.

· Sound judgement and experience of working at a strategic level in a public sector setting with the ability to consider complex and conflicting arguments and provide a balanced and informed perspective. Experience of working and delivering on government priorities.

· Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to build positive, productive relationships internally and externally, able to work collegiately and to listen sensitively to the views of others.

· A professional accounting qualification, CCAB or equivalent with accompanying experience of public sector finance regulations, including experience in preparing or assuring complex annual accounts, so as to be able to Chair the Audit and Risk committee.

· In – depth knowledge of risk management frameworks, internal controls, evaluating risk mitigation strategies which are aligned to the Board’s risk appetite.

· Evidence of a good understanding of the wider issues relating to the current public safety challenges, particularly in relation to reducing violence against women and girls and counter terrorism.