Just last week Vigilance reported that SecuriGroup Plc, a foremost UK security company had appointed Baroness Ruth Henig into its board in a non-executive directorship capacity, and this week, we are again reporting another appointment of hers as the British Security Industry Association (BSIA) too has gone for this jewel of the UK security industry by appointing her as the association’s special advisor on regulatory change.
Working alongside the BSIA’s leadership, the former SIA Chairman will support the Association’s active public affairs programme to represent the interests of the BSIA and its members in Parliament, and also at industry events including IFSEC and the BSIA’s Annual Luncheon.
Reinforcing the importance of primary legislation to support the Government’s proposals for a new ‘lighter touch’ regulatory regime – which is set to include business licensing alongside individual registration – is a key priority for the Association, and this will be one area in which Baroness Henig’s influence will benefit BSIA members.
“Advancing the cause of primary legislation within Parliament is an essential role for the BSIA, as we continue to support our members to ensure the development of a new regulatory regime that is fully reflective of the industry’s needs.” Comments James Kelly, Chief Executive of the BSIA.
In addition to the work on regulation, Baroness Henig will be an active participant in the Association’s Parliamentary roundtable programme, which generates a lively debate on the topic of private security involvement in the delivery of outsourced police support services.
James Kelly continues: “Baroness Henig brings with her a wealth of expertise from six years at the Security Industry Authority, as well as a long and well-respected background in policing and local government. As we move towards a new era of industry regulation, our Association and its members will benefit significantly from her advice and support.”
Baroness Henig comments: “I am very much looking forward to working with the BSIA to shape the development of the new regulatory regime for private security. In particular, it will be important to ensure that the needs of all businesses in the private security sector are fully taken into account by those who are framing the new legislation and regulations in Parliament.”
Visitors to the BSIA’s Networking Luncheon, to be held at IFSEC International this year, will be able to meet Baroness Henig, who will be attending the event as the Association’s special guest.
Similarly, as IFSEC International 2013 kicks off today, the BSIA has unveiled its busy activity plan as below:
Relationship building is at the heart of the BSIA's activities at the show, with a series of networking events scheduled to take place throughout, including those open to both members and non-members of the Association. This activity kicks off on Day One of the show with an international networking event aimed at boosting the industry's overseas trade by introducing members of the BSIA's Export Council to UKTI Commercial Officers from around the world.
The networking opportunities continue on Wednesday 15th May, as the BSIA hosts an informal luncheon for existing Association members, or those security companies interested in finding out more about the benefits of BSIA membership. Attending as the BSIA's special guest is Baroness Ruth Henig, former Chair of the Security Industry Authority and the BSIA's special advisor on regulatory change, who will be on hand to discuss the issues surrounding the security industry's transition to a new regulatory regime.
James Kelly, Chief Executive of the BSIA, comments: "Enabling the sharing of best practice between industry professionals is a key function of the Association, and IFSEC provides an annual opportunity for the wider industry to reflect on the successes of the past year and exchange ideas about the future direction of our dynamic industry."
Acknowledging the fast-growing market for lone worker protection products and services – which was recognised at last year's IFSEC International with the inclusion of a dedicated Lone Worker Protection Product Area – the BSIA is launching a brand new section of membership for companies dedicated to providing lone worker services.
Taking place on the BSIA's stand on Wednesday 15th May, the official launch of the BSIA's Lone Worker section will feature the election for the section's inaugural Chairman, as well as an address from Rachel Griffin, Chair of personal safety charity, the Suzy Lamplugh Trust.
"Changing business practices and a greater drive for efficiency in today's 24-hour culture mean that demand for lone worker protection products and services looks set to increase in coming years." Comments Alex Carmichael, Technical Director at the BSIA. "As more and more companies enter this fast-growing market, the importance of quality is paramount. The transition of the BSIA's already successful Lone Worker Industry Group into a fully-fledged section of Association membership is set to drive the future development of related standards and codes of practice as the sector continues to grow."
Another growing market represented by the BSIA's activity programme at IFSEC this year is that of Information Destruction – the BSIA's fastest-growing section of membership – which focuses on the importance of the secure destruction of confidential data.
A brand new video produced by the section, explaining the importance of professional information destruction, is set to premiere at the BSIA's stand on Tuesday 14th May, with registered attendees already including industry leaders, end-users and media representatives.
Education and technical updates are also key elements of the show for the BSIA, with many Association staff and members taking part in this year’s conference programme, including speaker slots in both IFSEC Centre Stage and the Lone Worker Education Theatre. Topics under discussion include advice for security exporters, reflections on the 'state of the security nation', and the changing relationship between the police and the private security industry.