John Saunders to pursue new opportunities

11 October 2006: John Saunders, Chief Executive of the Security Industry Authority (SIA) today announced his decision to move on from the Authority to pursue new opportunities.

In a letter to the Private Security Industry, John said:

The past four and a half years building and developing the SIA and implementing the regulation have been incredibly demanding and difficult. But I am pleased to have contributed to the foundations of the industry's transformation and addressing probably the biggest change it will ever face.

Few industries could claim to have a national role as pivotal as the private security industry, or such an opportunity to enhance public safety, protection and prosperity. And few regulators could claim such tough challenges or the chance to make such a marked difference.

From the outset the strategic direction of the SIA has been based upon the regulation being a catalyst to stimulate productive change - constantly balancing the public purpose with the commercial implications on the industry. I very much hope we have achieved that and have fulfilled the promise to "do it with the industry, not to the industry".

I am enormously proud of the achievements and performance of the SIA and indeed the character of the organisation. There is, of course, much still to do and an exciting and demanding future agenda. I know the SIA will continue to collaborate enthusiastically to meet the challenges.

I have developed an enormous understanding and respect for the private security industry and have thoroughly enjoyed working with some wonderful and stimulating people. I feel confident that the industry will fulfil it's unquestionable potential. I will be around for some months to come and can assure you that the SIA will be 'business as usual'."