1 April 2008: Today, Linda Sharpe and Bill Matthews join the Security Industry Authority (SIA) as new Board members.

Linda and Bill were appointed by Home Office Minister Vernon Coaker after an open competition to find Board members to offer their experience and particular insight into the private security industry and the Scottish security industry respectively.

In their new roles, Linda and Bill will work with current Board members to set the strategic direction of the SIA and will make important contributions to its role in the development of the private security industry throughout Great Britain.

Chairman of the SIA Baroness Henig said:

"I am very pleased to welcome Linda and Bill to the Board. They both bring their unique skills and experiences to the role, which will complement those in our existing members.

With the recent roll-out of licensing in Scotland, the prospect of further expansion in Northern Ireland and to bailiffs and of course the further development and embedding of the ACS on the agenda, Linda and Bill are joining the SIA at an exciting time."

Linda Sharpe has 18 years experience in the private security industry and is a qualified HR professional. She worked for the security company Group 4 for 12 years. From 2003 Linda led the competency development team at the SIA until 2005 when she became Chief Executive of the newly formed Skills for Security. Linda retired from Skills for Security in July 2007.

Bill Matthews started his career with 15 years with Motorola in Scotland and America, and 4 years with Sigtronics in Livingston, before co-founding Invint Limited to develop processes for electronics manufacture. In 2007, Bill was appointed to the board of the Scottish Police Services Authority in 2007 and is a non-executive director within Scottish Government, currently holding Audit Chair positions with the Corporate Audit Committee and the board of the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service. Bill is director of management consultancy M2M2 Limited working with a variety of public and private sector clients.

Linda and Bill's appointments commence on 1 April for an initial three year period.

Notes to Editors:

• The other SIA Board members are:
  • Baroness Ruth Henig (Chairman)
  • Robin Dahlberg (Vice –Chair)
  • Peter Dyke
  • Brendan O’Friel
  • Wendy Towers
  • Bruce Warman
• Electronic images and full biographies for the Board members are available from Jessica Clinkett, SIA Media Relations Officer.
• All appointments are made on merit and political activity plays no part in the selection process. However, in accordance with the original Nolan recommendations, there is a requirement for appointees' political activity (if any declared) to be made public.
• The appointments were made in accordance with the Office of the Commissioner for Public Appointments Code of Practice.
• SIA Board members receive an annual remuneration of £9,000 p.a., based on three days work each month.