The BBC had reported that the home office indicated that likelyness exist for the SIA to be axed.
Although it turned out to be large scale speculation, Immediate concerns were voiced throughout the industry, the question of self regulation came up as a possibility along with fears that we are heading back in time when considering advances that were made to date in the sector.
At AAB we believe that abolishing the SIA altogether is not necessarily the correct approach, as it does generate it’s own funds. There is however the issue of thousands of pounds being spent on awarding bodies which serves very little purpose. Should reform take place to allow the SIA to operate in a manner similar to the HSE, whereby it approves training centres directly, significant funds can be generated to continue regulation of the industry.
Several MP’s are currently evaluating different models of compliance training as well as sector skills competence and it is thought that after various proposals being considered, the home office will make an announcement tomorrow. The home office will almost certainly not act to the detrement of public safety, however, efficiency of operations and whether the delegations formed by the SIA, who themself is a delegation are currently being put to the test.
De-regulation might not be the ideal solution – however reform is critical and AAB supports the notion that a tactical approach to restructuring and a flow of spending in the right direction is what is required.
In 2008 the CEO of the SIA have made a crucial comment when many experts attempted to criticize the regulator needlessly over “right to work checks”:
He stated that even though individuals are licensed by the SIA – this does not mean the employer should neglect their usual vetting procedurs – which was a clear message to the industry – employers still have a vital role to play to ensure they recruit suitable staff. Besides, the onus always lies with the employer hence no other professional body was ever made responsible for right to work screening.
Now the government are adopting a lean model and they are asking the question: How much money is being wasted? Can savings be made and efficiency be maintained? In the light of that, many believe a model whereby national occupational standards are adhered to and demonstrated backed by an independend vetting system such as the CRB will in itself be sufficient to meet such requirements.
If core competency together with criminality checks are essential – a far more leaner model is available to achieve that and the industry is eagerly awaiting decisions that will turn this concept into reality.
Info 4 Security – an online blog security information source appears to have received feedback from Mike Bluestone, Dr. David Hutchinson, Ray Clarke, David Greer and also James Kelly – the common vote appears to be strong support for the regulator. Stakeholder engagement would mean gaining feedback from far more sources and considering an array of practicallities.
It would appear that so far the SIA is unlikely to be axed – further updates will follow.