Speaking to delegates at the SIA Annual Conference in London last week, Holbeach said he is “keen that reforms are now taken forward with some pace” and added that a consultation on the future of the private security industry is to be launched shortly.
The Government announced its intention to introduce a “new regulatory regime” in October 2010 in which businesses, rather than individuals, would be regulated by the SIA.
Businesses will need to meet a minimum standard before being able to operate in the industry with the only check on individuals carried out by the SIA to be in relation to criminality.
Holbeach said the new regime is designed to create “greater transparency and accountability for the industry in how it is regulated.” He added: “This means that the industry will have greater responsibility for regulatory measures and be more able to hold the SIA to account. “
He said the Government also wants to deregulate the industry and to lower the cost of any regulation so as to offer better value for money.
“Taken together these reforms will achieve an overall reduction in the regulatory cost and burden on your industry,” said Holbeach. “My officials are currently working with the SIA to discuss a sensible timescale for the SIA to start to receive and process your business licence applications once legislation is in place. I have asked for this legislation to be put in place by October next year.”
Holbeach added that the Government and SIA are also looking at plans to enhance the enforcement powers of the regulator (SIA) in the future, which will require primary legislation.