In early October I announced my departure from the SIA and my appointment as Managing Director at CIPFA (Chartered Institute of Public Finance & Accountancy). Since then, work has been undertaken in making succession arrangements. This has involved the parallel appointment of the new SIA Chair, Baroness Ruth Henig, whose appointment was announced yesterday by the Home Secretary.

I have now agreed with the SIA and Home Office to use the Christmas break as a natural breakpoint and I will be moving on from the SIA at the end of December. Andy Drane will be undertaking the SIA Chief Executive role on an interim basis.

Building and developing the SIA and implementing the regulation has been enormously difficult and demanding, but equally stimulating and immensely rewarding. I am pleased to have contributed, with the industry, to such a productive and positive programme of change. The big challenge, of course, is building on the foundations so that the industry can fulfil its aspirations and achieve the recognition and respect it increasingly deserves.

The private security industry is now part of the fabric of society with an important role in enhancing public safety and protection and contributing to the crime reduction agenda. A future laden with opportunity.

It's widely acknowledged that few regulators could claim such tough challenges or the chance to make such a marked difference. But I very much hope that we have fulfilled our promise to "do it with the industry not to the industry". I equally hope that we have sufficiently balanced the public purpose agenda with the commercial implications on the industry.

Did the SIA get everything right in our formative years? No, of course not. Has the SIA ruffled a few feathers? Yes, but we did not set out to win any popularity stakes. I very much hope that even our hardest critics and opponents will recognise both the commitment and achievements that the young organisation has delivered in a remarkably short time frame.

I am incredibly proud of the achievements and performance of the SIA and, indeed, the character and personality of the organisation. I have been constantly impressed with the levels of professionalism and innovation. And especially with the courage, commitment and determination which have been tested time and time again. I am sad to be leaving so many respected friends and colleagues.

I have also made many wonderful friends across the industry and it has been a genuine pleasure and privilege to work with such committed, wise and tough (and often very bloody demanding!!) people. To all those who have provided me with support, guidance and direction, my very, very genuine appreciation.

I will watch developments and progress from the sidelines with enormous fondness and interest. I wish the SIA, the industry and all Stakeholders the very best future.

Thank you and a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

John Saunders

21 December 2006