Category: Safeguarding

Safety Advisory Groups: Protecting the public during the world cup and beyond

An explanation of the SIA’s role in Safety Advisory Groups by Lucia Howland, SIA Senior Manager – Compliance & Inspections.

With the FIFA men’s World Cup in full swing, our regional teams have been busy attending Safety Advisory Group (SAG) meetings relating to various ‘pop-up’ fan zones being created for people to come together and enjoy watching their team of choice on big screens.

While seeing their country take victory might feel like the most important thing for the fans in attendance, our priority is making sure they can enjoy the match safely whether they win, lose or draw.

The SIA’s purpose is keeping people and places safe and secure by regulating the private security industry and venues across the UK. There are many ways we achieve this, one of which is playing a part in ensuring the safety of the public through attending SAG meetings.

Safety Advisory Groups were partly created following the recommendations of Lord Justice Taylor following his inquiry into the Hillsborough Tragedy of 1989. His report mandated the establishment of SAGs in relation to football and eventually the good practice model has been rolled out to ensure the safety of the public at wide range of events and gatherings.

The Health and Safety Executive has over the years played a significant role in the establishment of SAGs advising that they “provide a forum for discussing and advising on public safety at an event. They aim to help organisers with the planning, and management of an event and to encourage cooperation and coordination between all relevant agencies.”

SAGs are usually co-ordinated by a local authority ahead of an event taking place and are made up of representatives from the local authority, emergency services, other relevant bodies and the event organiser. The group has several key roles including providing advice and guidance to the event organisers, promoting good practice in safety and welfare planning for events, as well as ensuring events have a minimal adverse impact on the local community. They are an important forum for the conversations necessary for an event to happen safely.

Most events that need a SAG will, by default, have a requirement for private security which will be supplied by one or more security contractors. This means we have a significant role to play at these meetings as the regulator of private security. Attendance allows us to support both the event organisers and the security providers by providing advice and guidance on complying the Private Security Industry Act 2001.

When there is a SAG meeting associated with a temporary event in the area, like the current World Cup fan zones, local SIA representatives work with partners to consider the number of security personnel required and what impact that may have on other venues in the area. It’s important that the increased demand for security doesn’t leave other venues without security and therefore vulnerable.

A photo taken at an SIA inspection at a fan zone on Saturday

In many cases we work with the event organisers to establish their requirements for security. We support them in confirming the different roles of people working at an event and whether they fall into licensable conduct under the Private Security Industry Act 2001. For example – building the correct mix of stewards with appropriate numbers of door supervisors and security officers.

It’s important to note that we do not have any input into the decision on the number of security personnel required, this is not our remit. This must be specified by the organiser and is sometimes influenced by the police or local authority based on historical events or types of venue.

If a security provider hasn’t been chosen for the event, we will take the opportunity to promote our Approved Contractor Scheme as a recognised hallmark of quality for security suppliers. We will highlight to the organisers that their choice of security provider can have a significant impact on the success of their event. Investing time and undertaking some general due diligence enquiries before they choose a security provider can reap significant rewards for the success of their event and the safety of those attending. Where we can lawfully do so, we share best practice and intelligence to support the due diligence practices in place and to mitigate as far as possible any known risks.

When a security provider has been appointed, there are several areas we will look at to reassure ourselves, and the SAG members, of the provider’s ability to deliver the service necessary. We do this through engaging with the suppliers and will update the SAG meeting as necessary.

Our work in SAGs give us a greater insight to potential regulatory risks and supports our assessment as to whether we will undertake a compliance inspection during the event. We will also attend post event debrief meetings with the organisers and the SAG where needed, these meetings provide an important opportunity for both event organisers and agencies to feedback, learn, and share best practice which feeds into future events and ultimately contributes to keeping people safe.

When fans are gathered at fan zones across England tonight and on Sunday for the final, they can rest assured that their safety has been considered by many agencies that have a common aim of keeping the public safe.

What is spiking and what can I do about it?

This blog was written by Dr Amy Burrell, Research Fellow at the University of Birmingham. She can be contacted  on a.burrell@bham.ac.uk or via LinkedIn

What is spiking?

Spiking is the covert administration of substances (e.g., drugs, alcohol) to another person without their knowledge or consent. People often think about spiking in the context of drinks and, whilst drink spiking (i.e., adding a substance to someone’s drink) is a common way to spike someone, it is not the only way it happens. There are also reports of spiking using food (e.g., lollipops, brownies, gummies), cigarettes and/or vapes, as well as chewing gum and even via needles/injection.

What is commonly used to spike people?

Drugs such as Rohypnol, GHB, and Ketamine have been associated with spiking and incidents involving such substances do occur. However, alcohol is the most common substance used to commit spiking. This is not surprising as it is cheap and easily available, especially when in a night-time economy context.

Why do people spike others?

Spiking is a criminal offence. However, it can also be used to make someone more susceptible to being a victim of another crime. There is little research evidence about motivations but what we do know is that they can vary – for example, from sexual assault to robbery to pranking. We also know that spiking is not always followed by another offence which lends more support to the idea that some perpetrators commit spiking for “fun” or “a laugh”. Whatever the motivation, the impact of spiking can be dangerous and, of course, frightening for the victim.

How can I tell if someone has been spiked?

Symptoms of spiking can vary, depending on the substance used. Sometimes it will look like someone is just very drunk – unsurprising if the substance used to spike is often alcohol. Symptoms can, therefore, look similar to drunkenness – e.g., nausea, dizziness, being unsteady on their feet. Other signs someone might have been spiking include becoming unresponsive, behaving out of character, paranoia, and/or hallucinations.

What should I do immediately/first if I think someone has been spiked?

First and foremost, focus on safety. Seek medical attention if necessary. Also, make the venue aware as well as SIA colleagues working nearby. It is not always easy to establish where spiking has taken place so making everyone aware of an incident is helpful. Listen to the person who is reporting they have been spiked – and their friends – as this will help you identify what will help them calm down/feel reassured/what help they need.

How do I help someone who has been spiked?

Remember that the person might not be aware of what is happening. They might be very frightened and/or distressed. It is important to try and find the person’s friends as, hopefully, this will help you understand what has happened. In particular, it will help you establish where they have been and if their behaviour seems out of character for them. One useful tip is to look at the group and the context – whilst it might be very difficult to determine if someone has been spiked if it is 4am and everyone is drunk, there are other times where it should be much clearer. For example, if it is 10pm and one person seems completely out of it, their friends are nearby, (more) sober, and telling you their friend is behaving oddly then this is a strong indicator of spiking. Either way, if in doubt, work on the basis it could be spiking and take the appropriate action.

How do I report a spiking incident?

Victims can be worried about reporting spiking as they might be frightened or feel like they won’t be believed. I would encourage people to report if they feel able to as this helps us to build up a picture of spiking and the more we know, the more effectively we can respond. Police UK have a website on spiking which includes links to reporting spiking incidents. If the victim would prefer not to contact the police, they can still report what has happened to them – for example, at Stamp Out Spiking and The Egalitarian.

What do I do if I want to find out more?

The Security Industry Authority can signpost you to training that is available to you. For example, the Welfare and Vulnerability Engagement (WAVE) training is offered to SIA licence holders via the Safer Business Network. This offers you a good opportunity for supplementary training as an extra to your regular refresher SIA training.

There are also many charitable organisations who can offer help and support around spiking. They often have free resources available and/or options for reporting incidents. For example:

We’re taking a stand against labour exploitation

We’ve set up a dedicated multi-disciplinary team across the SIA, headed by Paul Fullwood, our Director of Inspections and Enforcement, to address labour exploitation under the name Operation EMPOWER. The aim of this operation is to seek to reduce labour exploitation across the UK private security industry, working in collaboration with the industry itself, key partners, and government. Our plan begins with the launch of a communications campaign to raise awareness of the signs of potential labour exploitation and encourage reporting. Paul explains more here:

We know that labour exploitation exists within the private security industry. The harm to individuals is unacceptable. The consequent injury to standards and public safety, to law-abiding businesses who are undercut by criminal enterprises, and to the reputation of the industry, demand a response. 

We’re confident that most private security suppliers meet high standards and provide fair working conditions, which contributes to public safety. However, we know from our intelligence and stakeholder engagement that the industry has concerns that some companies are undermining quality businesses through alleged poor practices. 

We’ve set up a dedicated multi-disciplinary team across the SIA, headed at director level, to address labour exploitation under the name Operation EMPOWER. This project team includes intelligence specialists and criminal investigators, as well as representatives from Individual and Business Standards, Legal, Policy, and Communications. 

The aim of this operation is to seek to reduce labour exploitation across the UK private security industry, working in collaboration with the industry itself, key partners, and government. We need the commitment and support of departments and agencies with relevant powers, such as HM Revenue and Customs and the Home Office. This is because our current powers under the Private Security Industry Act 2001 provide us with limited opportunities to tackle this issue on our own. 

People who are being exploited can be hard to reach. They may be vulnerable due to their immigration status. They may not even realise that they’re being exploited. We want security operatives to understand what labour exploitation looks like. For example, they may not be being paid the National Minimum Wage. For some individuals, particularly those who are being used by organised crime, their situation may be far worse. We need these individuals to be able to identify when they’re being exploited, and to know that they can report their situation in confidence to the SIA and other agencies. The expectation must be that action will follow. 

We are also talking to security businesses to make sure they’re aware of their responsibilities to the people they employ. We want buyers of security to be vigilant as well, as we know that labour exploitation – particularly low pay – can be a feature of sub-contracting chains. If buyers are sourcing cheap security, say for an event, they may be paying an amount that guarantees that operatives themselves are not being paid National Minimum Wage. 

A private security company supplier, which is under contract to a buyer, must make sure that their employees are paid correctly and contribute the correct amount of national insurance and tax. They must also make sure that this is being done throughout their supply chain. 

No employer is exempt from paying their workers the statutory minimum wage. Employers must pay their employees the National Minimum Wage (to apprentices or people aged under 21) or the National Living Wage (to people aged 21 or over). There are also minimum unavoidable costs for basic employment matters such as national insurance. 

This should be of special interest to legitimate security businesses, as unscrupulous operators can undercut those who treat their staff fairly and pay them properly. 

Our plan begins with a communications strategy aiming to raise awareness of the signs of potential labour exploitation, and encourage reporting, with the support of key communications partners. We’re directing people to a new guidance and reporting page on our GOV.UK site. We will follow this first phase with a programme of engagement on the actions we are collectively taking to address labour exploitation. 

In this way we are embarking on a multi-partnership operation intended to disrupt and dissuade the individuals and businesses that direct or facilitate labour exploitation. Keep an eye out for our messages, and if you come across exploitation in the private security industry – please report it. 

Our compliance checks at the BBC Radio 1 Big Weekend Festival  

by Lisa Shaw, Investigations Officer, SIA Southeast

The BBC Radio 1’s Big Weekend Festival took place this year in Luton from 24-26 May. As a popular event with a great line up, the numbers were expected to reach over 100,000 which meant a large security presence. My team at the SIA covers counties in the Southeast including Sussex, Essex, Surrey, Hertfordshire, Hampshire, Kent, Bedfordshire and Thames Valley. As the event was in my patch, my team and I planned a visit to ensure SIA compliance at the event. 

Our team checked 155 licences and spent time engaging with licence holders and security suppliers at the BBC Radio 1 Big Weekend Festival in Luton.

We spent three days making checks at the event. The first two days involved us attending the site before the event opened to inspect licences of the security operatives on duty.  At the inspection planning stage, all suppliers provided me with a list of documents they had seen to verify identity of the licence holders. We then attended the first day of the event on Friday 24th May to inspect any licence holders we missed on the first two days.  We also observed security procedures and process to ensure that there was no crossover between licensable roles and actions of safety marshals present at the event.   

Sarah Runchman, our Head of Intelligence, joined the inspection to observe how an inspection unfolds, what obstacles we may face when out in the field and what improvements can be made in the process.  I also spent time walking around the site with local licensing officers working jointly to check security at the venue. 

On the day the event opened we were able to observe the security teams carrying out their duties. This included bag searches at the gates and drug detection dogs being used amongst the crowds. We observed how successfully the dogs detected illegal substances with members of the public removed from the queue as a result.  

From left to right: SIA Compliance and Inspections team – Ariarna Moore, Lisa Shaw, Alison Hughes and Elise Winnett 

The inspection was successful with high levels of compliance found from security officers. We inspected 155 licences over the three days. We issued 13 warnings for failure to update address and a further 5 verbal warnings to security officers for failing to display their SIA licences.  

Conducting much of the inspection prior to the opening of the event allowed us to really engage with security officers and marshals and get a feel for how the industry is for them. Our presence at the event was welcomed, with many security officers expressing gladness to see us there. We met a very talented event marshal who is now training to become an SIA licensed security operative. We also witnessed an unprovoked attack by an aggressive member of the public on a door supervisor.  The door supervisor handled the situation with restraint and calmness, preventing any escalation. Watching the incident unfold in front of us highlighted just how difficult a door supervisor’s job can be.  

Overall, it was a rewarding experience to be part of the event and to ensure levels of compliance were met by the security present.  I am grateful for the positive interactions and the opportunity to witness the dedication of everyone involved in ensuring safety of the public and property at the event.  

Jo’s Day in a Life at Reading Festival

One of our Investigations Officers, Jo, takes us through two days on site at the Reading Festival, as part of our SIA team ensuring licence holder compliance.

The famous music event attracts over 105,000 festivalgoers each year, while the security provision numbers around 2,000 operatives.

Walking to the festival

Tuesday 22 August

10.45am I arrive at the festival command centre for the event. It’s home to control teams from the police, ambulance and fire services, as well as event control and security. There’s already an impressive buzz to the place. Communication equipment, monitors and displays are arranged in the centre’s multi use courts.

11.00am I meet the rest of our inspection team who are supporting me today. We meet the Safety Manager for the Reading Festival, and he takes us to the site.

Before we’re allowed in, we must go through a site induction and be given our access wrist bands. This was one of the smoothest processes we’ve encountered to access an event. We were impressed by the improvements to the accreditation process implemented since last year.

The weather was glorious – so no festival mud to traipse through.

When operatives arrive, they must scan in a QR code, which amongst other details includes emergency contact details, then they move to accreditation desk.

11.15am The Safety Manager takes us to the compound for one of the larger of the three security companies looking after public safety at the event. Two others are also supplying security. In the main accreditation tent, we get to grips with checking the process and how security officers coming onto the site are being checked.

Our inspection team splits into groups to do the same with the other two companies supplying security.

Firstly, we are assured of how their accreditation is set up. When operatives arrive, they must scan in a QR code, which amongst other details includes emergency contact details, then they move to the accreditation desk.

Each operative is checked against a staff list, their SIA licence is checked against additional photo identity and against the SIA register of licence holders, as well as a physical check of the card itself using an ultraviolet light to test security features.

It is a good set up and well run. We see people being taken out of the line to undergo further clarification on their accreditation, which shows due diligence on behalf of the security company.

Operatives then move through to pick up their uniforms, any equipment they need and a tabard, different colours for security staff and stewards.

Before they leave, they attend an initial briefing and one final SIA licence check.

It was a good set up and well run.

Next to the main stage

12.00pm Within the accreditation area, we undertake our own further checks on SIA licences and contact our operation control to confirm all is well.

By the time we finish, our team has checked 85 licence holders – all good.

It’s worth a note, that the total security provision numbers around 2,000 individuals across the whole weekend, less today as the event is still setting up. But the number of operatives on duty will increase when the festival opens to the public.

1.30pm We man the gatepost where operatives enter to undertake initial checks before they get to the accreditation gate.

2.00pm We return to the main security compound and meet back up with our team who have been doing similar checks with the other companies.

After a brief break, we go to see the deployed security staff. There’s security staff at three gates to the site and more dotted around arena and stages. We go to the main site gate then walk into the arena, checking staff as we go.

On our way back to the security compound, we hitch a ride on a buggy. We are held at a junction to make way for a convoy of 12 ice cream vans!

5.00pm We meet our team and make our way to the exit performing a few more checks along the way.

6.00pm We’re signed out of the site, and I can make my way back home. I endure the M25 again and when I get home, spend a little time catching up on emails and messages before signing off the day.

Thursday 24 August

Jo, Elsie, Dawn and Michelle on site

11.00am We arrive back at the command centre and meet with our team including our Chief Executive, Michelle Russell who is joining us today.

Despite threats of rain, and taking heavy coats and stout shoes, it was another glorious day.

By now, the festival is functioning rather than being set up. The campsites are filling up fast, there are already tents cheek by jowl. Concessions stands are open and the festival feels like it’s getting into full swing.

There are lots of people walking around, sitting about, enjoying the atmosphere, and getting to know where things are. Metal roadways along the main routes save these from turning into mud baths if it rains.

We can see a constant stream of people arriving, some with some strange luggage solutions; chairs strapped to backs, tents being dragged, sleeping bags hanging from rucksacks, things being dropped.

Security staff are now doing their job rather than being accredited.

Operatives are deployed walking around the camps, keeping an eye on concessions, undertaking access controls and deploying searches for main access areas.

There are eight camps in total; white, brown, orange, purple, blue, yellow, orange and eco.

Our team splits into a separate group.

11:30am We head off for ‘white’ camp, the furthest away, about a 30-minute walk. It was a good day for steps. I clocked up around 15,000 during the day.

White camp is over a temporary bridge built over a river. At each of the camps is a camp manager, store and security manager. We make further checks as the Security Manager radios his team one-by-one to come in for a check.

On the way back we check a further two camps. In addition, we sweep up any security operatives we meet as we walk through and carry out further   licensing checks.

1.45pm We stop for lunch sitting down for a well-deserved break. After which, we walk on a bit further to a site access point and carry out some more checks. We don’t interfere with the search area, as this is very busy.

2.30pm We visit the brown and purple campsites on the way back carrying out more licence checks.

4.15pm As we sweep our areas the other team does the same with theirs. We meet up at the main arena where another security company is providing service for the main arena with the huge stage. We introduce ourselves. The manager is helpful but very busy, so we carry out checks as efficiently as possible and let them get on.

“It was good to have our Chief Executive, Michelle Russell along to share our experiences and talk to her about the little things that can help make our jobs easier.”

4.45pm We decide to call it a day and sit in the command centre for a de-brief.

Overall, the team undertook a total of 85 checks during the day.

It was good to have our Chief Executive, Michelle Russell along to share our experiences and talk to her about the little things that can help make our jobs easier.

5.50pm Michelle thanks the event controller and we leave the site.

8.30pm I get home. A quick check in to catch up on emails and messages before logging off for the day.

Overall, the team completed 170 checks during the two-day operation. In addition, I created 14 watchlists and checked 637 licences prior to the event. So quite an achievement.  

This was the first festival operation that I was leading on, and I was pleased with how it went. Everything was well planned and everyone in the team, both (literally) in the field and at control did a marvellous job.

It was good to see the security provision being deployed to a very high standard. All the checks we undertook were positive, testimony to the work we do with security suppliers long before events take place.

Thank you to the SIA team, the security and events management companies and security operatives who all did a fantastic job in keeping the public safe over the two days.

“Everything was well planned and everyone in the team, both (literally) in the field and at control did a marvellous job.”

Minister of State for Safeguarding out on inspection with our compliance team in the City of London 

On Tuesday 12 September Sarah Dines, Minister of State for Safeguarding, accompanied our compliance team members and City of London Police on an inspection across six locations in the square mile. 

The Minister, Sarah Dines, and our Chair, Heather Baily met and spoke with frontline security operatives, including door supervisors and security guards. The Minister was keen to understand the role and the experiences of licence holders as well as speak with them about public safety. 

Our Investigations Officer, Kirsty Tagg shared with the Minister our ongoing work to tackle violence against women and girls in partnership with local boroughs and the police.  She also highlighted the vital training that operatives receive on recognising indicators of abuse and their duty of care to protect vulnerable people. 

The visits provided an opportunity for the security operatives to speak with the Minister and our Chair, and an opportunity for the Minister to observe our role in enforcing standards within the private security industry. 

The visits allowed us to meet security operatives with a wide range of experience of working in the private security industry. A couple of the operatives had been in role for over ten years, with one holding 18 years of service at the same venue. We also met with an operative who had only just recently received their first licence. 

One of the head door supervisors detailed that they had recently turned away a security operative, with what they thought may have been a fake licence.  

Using ultraviolet light, they had been unable to detect a lack of security features that should have been present on the individual’s licence card.  

We discussed the issue of counterfeited licences with the Minister and explained the ways in which we are tackling this issue by encouraging companies to undertake checks. 

The inspection was completed with a short debrief at the end of the night. 

It was a valuable exercise to introduce the Minister to the work we do out in the field, learn about the experiences of the SIA licence holders, and discuss some of the challenges we can encounter in our work.   

Our thanks go to Sarah Dines, her team, the City of London Police and to all who took part for their continued commitment to working with us. 

Safety Advisory Groups

Lucia Howland our Regional Investigation Manager and Tactical Events Lead talks about our role in the Safety Advisory Groups.

Safety Advisory Groups (SAGs) are usually co-ordinated by a local authority and made up of representatives from the local authority, emergency services, other relevant bodies and the event organiser.

The group’s role is to:

  • Promote high levels of safety and welfare at events by giving advice and guidance.
  • Promote good practice in safety and welfare planning for events.
  • Ensure events have a minimal adverse impact on the local community.

We are generally invited to SAG meetings by the police or local authority to contribute to the public safety agenda of the meeting- with a particular focus in relation to the provision of security at an event.

In many cases we work with the event organisers to establish their requirements for security.  If necessary, supporting them in confirming the different roles of people working at an event and whether they fall into licensable conduct under the Private Security Industry Act.  For example – is there a correct mix of stewards and is there an appropriate amount of door supervisors and security officers to be supplied.

We do not get involved in the number of security personnel required.  This is not our remit – this has to be specified by the organiser and is sometimes influenced by the police or local authority based on historical events or types of venue.

If a security provider hasn’t been chosen, we will take the opportunity to promote the ACS as a recognised hallmark of quality for security suppliers.

We will highlight to the organisers that their choice of security provider can have a significant impact on the success of their event. We recommend that they carry out some general due diligence enquiries before they choose a security provider. Investing time by undertaking some basic checks can reap rewards.

As soon as a security provider has been appointed there are a number of areas we will look at to reassure ourselves, and the SAG attendees, of the capability and capacity of the provider to deliver the service, these will include:

  • That they are capable of providing the required numbers of security personnel, or if not, have they got sufficient contractual relationships in place to deliver the requirement.
  • What screening and vetting checks of the operatives will be put in place to ensure that the supplied licensed operatives hold a valid and genuine SIA licence. 

From the SAG meeting we can gain an understanding of how the event is likely to run in terms of security personnel being accredited. We may share best practice and known intelligence to support the due diligence practices in place to mitigate as far as possible any known risks.

We will need reassurance that there will be a robust process in place to thoroughly vet and register the operatives deployed.

We don’t attend every event but when we do, we are generally very well received. We work alongside security suppliers during inspections to check the validity of SIA licences. Going forward we will be working even closer with event organisers as customers of security businesses, to mitigate the risk of the use of counterfeit and cloned licences at events and festivals.

Following the event debrief meetings will be arranged with event organisers where needed. These meetings provide an important opportunity for both event organisers and agencies to feedback, learn and share best practice.

Coronation Weekend – Extensive inspection activity in London and Windsor

The Coronation weekend required a large private security presence to deliver safe events and ensure public protection. 

Our Inspection and Enforcement teams engaged extensively in advance with the event organisers, partner agencies and security companies involved as well as being present during the weekend events to undertake compliance-related activity 

Our compliance activity focused on the large events in Windsor and Central London 

Windsor

Our South East regional investigators worked with the main security contractor to quality assure the accreditation process of SIA licence holders arriving at Windsor Castle to work at the event.

The team gave proactive advice around due diligence measures to mitigate against the risk of individuals trying to work in the private security industry using counterfeit licences.

The security operation at Windsor was very well organised with several hundred security operatives going through the process without issue.

We completed 40 random licence checks out of around 400 licence holders working the event, all were compliant.

Investigators also carried out inspections in and around Windsor town centre and the train station.

London

Our team of London investigators engaged with the organisers and suppliers in advance of the events across the weekend. Approximately 2,100 SIA licensed operatives were required for the event working alongside Police and the armed forces.  

In the lead up to the Coronation during the `build’ phase our investigators carried out visits to ensure the integrity of security around areas of temporary infrastructure.  

On Friday 5 May we undertook inspection activity carrying out licence checks in allocated areas at Green Park, Hyde Park, Trafalgar Square, Whitehall, Parliament Square and finally St James’s Park and Horse Guards Parade.  

On Saturday 6 May on the day of the Kings Coronation investigators were out early in Parliament Square, Millbank, Green Park, and Hyde Park.  

During both inspections our investigators spoke with SIA licensed personnel to check they held a valid and active SIA licence.  We spoke with 260 individual licence holders. All held valid and active SIA licences. Warnings were issued to those failing to display their licence in accordance with licensing requirements.  

The team not only checked SIA licences but spoke with the officers about their role, their experience and training.  We also engaged with supervisors and managers on the ground representing the numerous providers of security personnel. 

Jonathan Fleet, Regional Investigation Manager for London said: 

“Many of the security officers at the event started work on event day at 4am for a 12 hour shift. We were impressed by the professionalism and dedication of the security operatives we spoke with who were doing a great job in areas with high numbers of the general public.” 

 

Public Protection is everyone’s responsibility!

The SIA’s recent update submitted to the Inquiry on 16 January, has been published on the Manchester Arena Inquiry website and is now also available here on GOV.UK.

In a blog published today, Paul Fullwood SIA Director of Inspections & Enforcement and Strategic Lead for the Manchester Arena Inquiry (MAI) gives an update on the SIA’s work on the two monitored recommendations made by the Inquiry. He also outlines the actions and improvements undertaken by the SIA to strengthen public safety since the attack at the Manchester Arena in 2017.

The Manchester Arena Inquiry (MAI) has been a sobering experience for us all. The inquiry has provided significant learning for the public and various agencies as well as an examination of the role of the regulated Private Security sector.

On Monday 19th December 2022, the Government announced details for the Protect Duty, now to be known as ‘Martyn’s Law’ in tribute to Martyn Hett, who was killed alongside 21 others in the Manchester Arena Terrorist Attack in 2017.

Further to Martyn’s Law, Volume One of the Inquiry’s report contained two monitored recommendations specifically for the Security Industry Authority and the Home Office.

I thought it would be helpful to explain the SIA’s work so far on the Inquiry’s Monitored Recommendations 7 (MR7 – extend in-house licensing) and 8 (MR8 – introduction of business licensing).

Over the last 18 months we have been working closely with the Home Office to consider possible options to address these recommendations.

From the perspective of the SIA, our professional assessment is that despite the best efforts of many, we have gaps in our existing regulatory powers which the proposals would seek to address. We have sought to address this in support of both public protection and working in partnership to raise standards across the private security industry.

Our proposals go further than the recommendations made by the MAI, and we have included:

  1. Individual SIA licensing for in-house security should be extended to both operators of CCTV/public surveillance and in-house security guards; and
  2. The licensing of private security contractors and labour providers be introduced.

We have been working with members of the private security industry & Home Office to test out our thinking, our own professional knowledge and independent research to ensure we have an evidence base to assist with any future decision making.

We have made our proposals on the basis that:

  •  they will support public protection and public safety,
  • they have the broad support of the private security operatives and businesses we have engaged with,
  • they will not result in a disproportionate regulatory burden with sensible measures proposed, including exemptions, exceptions, and thresholds.

There is often a misassumption that we (SIA) can introduce these changes immediately; we can’t!  We operate within the powers given to us under the Private Security Industry Act. Any changes to this legislation require the agreement of the Home Office, Ministers, and Parliament. The matter is now with Home Office officials, and ultimately Ministers for consideration and decision on whether to accept the proposals or not. We await to hear the outcome.

Alongside the introduction of ‘Martyn’s Law’ we feel these proposals will bolster public safety by further professionalising the private security industry and address several shortfalls that we know many professionals would like addressed.

The SIA submitted formal detailed proposals of both MR 7 and MR8 to the Home Office in November 2022.

As private security is a devolved matter, the SIA regulates the private security industry in Scotland and Northern Ireland on behalf of the governments in those nations. We have continued to keep those authorities updated as well.

In the meantime, we have also been developing many other areas that we can change within the SIA to further support public protection:

  • We have revised our Compliance, Enforcement & Supervision Strategy with our vision to be far more visible and proactive across the private security industry. We have increased our Inspection & Enforcement Resources (at no increase of the license fee) from 50 plus operatives to over 100 operatives (Intelligence, Inspections and Criminal Investigation) who are all being upskilled to national investigative & intelligence standards (PIP/IPP).
  • We have over 400,000 SIA licensed operatives across the UK, so readers will understand why our inspections/operations are targeted & intelligence led based on threat, risk, and harm, that said there is a real willingness to increase our visibility, make our presence felt and engage better with all parts of private security industry.
  • Year to date we have undertaken 6,000 individual licence checks, more than a 200% increase on the previous year. We have conducted inspection visits to 915 separate sites and checked operatives from 830 separate security providers. We have opened 880 compliance investigation cases based on intelligence and concern reports.  We have detected nearly 100 individual offences relating to unlicensed operatives and other PSIA 2001 offences.
  • We continue to work closely with UK Police/local policing, HMRC, UK Law Enforcement, Local Authority & key stakeholders across the UK.
  • We have also submitted to the Home Office several business cases to improve our current PSIA powers (alongside MR7 & MR8) which will assist with information sharing, investigative activity, and money laundering legislation in support of our regulatory responsibility.
  • We have made 100 unannounced visits to training providers and generated 103 action plans, which contain an average of 4 improvement points.  These are all followed up with the relevant awarding organisation.
  • We continue to improve the Approved Contractor Scheme recognising the link  between our proposals to the Home Office for ‘Inhouse & Business Licensing’.

We recognise that we have some brilliant people and organisations operating across the private security industry who are doing their very best for the public, their teams, and people they serve. This is why we need to keep moving forward, we can’t be complacent and why public protection and raising standards is all our responsibility if we want to prevent further tragedies.

Paul Fullwood – Director – Inspections & Enforcement (SIA Strategic lead for Manchester Arena Inquiry).

Suggested links:

Manchester Arena Inquiry official website: Manchester Arena Inquiry

MAI Volume 1: Volume 1 Report – Manchester Arena Inquiry

Protect Duty announcement: Martyn’s Law to ensure stronger protections against terrorism in public places – GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)

Protect Duty Factsheet: Martyn’s Law Factsheet  – Home Office in the media (blog.gov.uk)

Christmas for the SIA Compliance & Investigation teams

John Sandlin leads the Security Industry Authority’s Compliance & Inspections teams. Here he talks about the additional work that Christmas brings as the night time economy gears up for the busiest time for bars, restaurants and entertainment venues.

John Sandlin leads the Security Industry Authority’s Compliance & Inspections teams. Here he talks about the additional work that Christmas brings as the night time economy gears up for the busiest time for bars, restaurants and entertainment venues.

When does planning for Christmas start?
Pretty much as soon as we’ve drawn a breath from the summer events season which finishes around the end of September. Then we start thinking about Christmas. We look at what inspection activity we might want to do and consider requests from partners (such as police, local authorities, and the HMRC) to undertake operations to support their own objectives too. We draw on the huge amount of expertise across the team from colleagues who know the environment well and can help identify issues we need to consider.

London, UK – November 3 2022: Christmas lights in Oxford Street, view at night

So what issues do we need to consider?
In the run up to Christmas there’s more footfall in venues. This creates an increased risk of harm to the public which in turn requires a bigger police presence supported by a larger private security resource. It’s the increased private security deployment that requires our involvement to make sure those working in licensable roles are complying with the necessary regulation.

Although there are variations across the UK, the police tend to focus on ensuring venues are licensed and adhere to the terms and conditions of that licence. This might cover maximum occupancy, fire controls, health and safety considerations and security provision. The police and local authorities are increasingly engaging with venues about protecting the vulnerable alongside checking venue licences. Actually, whenever they are out and about, most agencies talk about protecting the vulnerable as part of protecting the public.

Watch our ‘Helping people in vulnerable situations’ video here

How many of your team are involved in Christmas specific activity?
It’s fair to say all teams are doing some form of activity that directly supports or is impacted by Christmas, so most team members will be involved in that.

As we speak there’s a multi agency operation in Belfast around the ‘ask Angela’ campaign. We’ll be undertaking licence checks, whilst supporting the initiative with messages about the campaign.

Manchester, United Kingdom – November 25, 2011 – Big wheel in the City center of Manchester with beautiful lights during christmas preparation

What additional activities do we deploy for Christmas, is it more of the same or different actions?
We may undertake specific activities, especially if we have solid intelligence that provides a clear aim or benefit. However, Christmas is generally doing more of the same, but with a stronger focus on the night time economy. There’s a huge upshift in volumes and that’s the biggest difference. There’s still a need to continue with other work, for example we’re working in Oxford Street in London during the day, although, to be fair, that’s also connected to the increase in footfall in the run up to Christmas.

What do we do on the front line?
It will depend on the site and any objectives for an operation. However, primarily we’re interested in compliance with the Private Security Industry Act. So, we’re mainly checking individuals are correctly licensed and ascertaining the businesses that operatives work for to build our understanding of the makeup of the local economy. This is especially useful when newly formed companies emerge. We’re also interested in in how labour is deployed and what the labour chain looks like; the more links in a labour chain, the higher the risk of noncompliance. We also check individuals’ employment status which helps identify possible exploitation. Where possible we push other messages and support campaigns to promote awareness and conversations across the industry.

How do security operatives and venues react to your teams’ presence?
Mostly, we get a positive response. Generally, licence holders like to see us out checking licences as they don’t want rogue people in the industry. We occasionally meet one or two unlicensed operatives that may be a little reticent for want of a better word but using our skills we overcome those hurdles.

Do other agencies do similar tasks around Christmas?
The Police and local authorities will be undertaking checks based around venue licensing and will want to assure themselves that venues are complying. Sometimes they may support us on our operations, it depends on specific operations, or sometimes the location. For example, I’d be fairly happy undertaking checks in Westminster without police support but wouldn’t want to do so in other areas without them. That goes not just for London, but anywhere else, you get a good feel for what risks maybe posed in undertaking checks without partners.

How much does the night time economy grow over the festive period?
We always hear that businesses are at their busiest and it’s very true, there are more people in more venues over more nights of the week. There are additional Christmas get togethers with friends, socialising after work, organised office parties – it’s difficult to put a figure on, and it will vary from location to location, but it’s noticeably much busier. Let’s not forget this is the first Christmas without any COVID restrictions.

On top of venues being busier, there are additional entertainment venues and events to consider; pop up fairs, Christmas markets, ice rinks, entertainment offerings, temporary licensed premises.

How stable is resource in the night time economy?
If more door supervisors are needed because a company has a shortfall, then most companies will contract in staff from another to match the demand. However, what sometimes happens is the supplying company will in turn go to another to fulfil the request. This is not a problem as such, but it is a concern. With each company’s loan of resource comes a charge. This can lead to a squeeze on profit margins which is where corners can be cut. When that happens to the risk of improper employment and unlicensed personnel can start to emerge.

How effective are the operations we undertake?
Of course, we have limited resource and we can’t visit every venue. However, what we do has a definite ripple effect. When we’re in a large town or city, just by visiting a few premises, word gets around very quickly that we’re out and about undertaking checks and looking at licences. That has a great deterrent effect within the security community. So, we enlarge the size of our footprint. In addition, we work with colleagues in the Communications team to get the message out and again, this spreads across the community well.

What does it take to deploy an operation?
That’s a good question; lots of work.

Before we set foot on the ground, we undertake pre-inspection activity. This could be meetings with partners, considering intelligence we or our partners have received and undertaking a recce in the locality. We then need to work up aims and objectives before putting an operational order together. Information needs to be created within our database (CRM). Risks also need to be considered and risk assessments completed. We also need to secure resource from across the team and make sure everyone is available for the operation. In addition to staff on the ground, we always have an operational control to assist with licence checks on the STeP database, as well as then inputting the checks onto CRM. This can be quite a laborious task, especially if there are a voluminous amount.

Any last words?
The team are very committed. We have had a fair few new staff so as well as preparing and undertaking activities, experienced team members are also helping to train and guide their new colleagues in this crucial area of work. Everyone in the Compliance & Inspections team plays a part in what we do from the MST to the investigators themselves, supported by colleagues from other teams. The inspection activity being centred on the night time economy requires staff to work evenings and weekends to attend operations, which at this time of year means being out in the cold. I want to thank the teams, I appreciate everyone’s effort and support in keeping the public safe.

About the author

John Sandlin served for 30 years with the Metropolitan Police. He worked as an Investigating and Senior Investigating Officer for over 11 years investigating homicides and other serious crimes. He’s worked at the SIA since early 2015.