The Security Industry Authority is the UK wide regulator for the private security industry. We licence individuals to work in the sector as well as running a voluntary approved contractor scheme for businesses. We are an arms-length body of the Home Office and support the government’s priorities of reducing terrorism, preventing and tackling crime and ensuring the public feel safe in those places where private security is deployed. A particular priority is to increase the safety of women and girls in a range of settings including in the night time economy and at events and festivals. Our forward thinking and experienced Board is made up of the Chief Executive and four Executive Directors, together with the Chair, and five Non-Executive Directors. Our role came into sharp focus during the Manchester Arena Inquiry and for the past three years, we have made some significant progress towards ensuing greater public safety at both large and smaller events as well as in other situations, e.g. retail sector, NHS and Higher education settings. This is an exciting time to be joining our Board as an apprentice, we have much to do in the coming 12 months and towards the latter part of 2025, we will be developing our next three – five year corporate strategy.
Heather Baily Chair
Michelle Russell Chief Executive
Why the SIA is supporting Boardroom Apprentice
Whilst a talented group of people, all of the current Board members come from very similar backgrounds and we need to hear the perspective of younger people and from those from a broader range of backgrounds. We hope that participation in the Scheme will bring a different perspective to our Board. The Chair and Board members are also keen to contribute to the Scheme’s aims of opening up opportunities to those who might previously not have considered such a role and who want to gain experience in a safe environment to better equip them for future applications for similar roles.
Location of Board and Committee Meetings
Frequency and timing of board/committee meetings
Five main Board meetings per year plus three strategy days. All meetings and strategy days take up most of the working day with hours typically 09.30 – 16.30.
Date of Board Meetings (January – December 2025)
Board: 6th Feb, 20th March, 8th May, 23rd July and 6th Nov. Strategy days: 5th June, 25th Sept. 9th Oct.
Committee of the Boards and meeting dates (January – December 2025)
Security checks
Payment of travel expenses
