SIA marks 12 months of regulation in Scotland

17 Nov 08

The Security Industry Authority celebrated one year of regulation north of the border with a reception at the Scottish Parliament.

The formal gathering took place on Wednesday 12 November. Bill Aitken MSP (the Convenor of the Justice Committee) and Baroness Ruth Henig – chairman of the SIA – addressed the event which was hosted by Margaret Mitchell MSP.

In attendance were a raft of individuals from the private security, sport and construction sectors in addition to senior officers from the Scottish police service.

Significant progress has been made in creating greater professionalism within the private security industry in Scotland. Since November 2007, those operating in designated security roles must be trained, qualified and hold an SIA licence. Regulation in Scotland has helped protect the public by preventing unsuitable or poorly trained people from working in the private security industry, and by raising standards of service.

Discussing the benefits of regulation

Speaking about regulation north of the border, Baroness Ruth Henig commented: “I was delighted by the successful reception we held at the Scottish Parliament. It provided an excellent opportunity to discuss the benefits of regulation, and to hear the insights of those attending. The private security industry will play an increasingly prominent role in Scotland with a range of public sector construction projects on the horizon, and in the run-up to the 2014 Commonwealth Games.”

The Baroness concluded: “ In addition, the timing of this event was apt given that we are now in the lead-in period to the festive season where private security plays an integral role in the leisure and entertainment sectors.”

SIA licences can be checked through the Register of Licence Holders which is available on a round-the-clock basis on the SIA’s web site. See our dedicated links on the right hand panel of this page.