Molly Meacher, Chairman of the Security Industry Authority, today tendered her resignation from the Authority for personal reasons. The Home Secretary has accepted Mrs Meacher’s resignation with regret.
An acting Chairman will be appointed from the SIA Board pending an open competition for a successor to Molly Meacher.
The SIA Board issued the following statement:
“Molly has made a considerable contribution to the successful establishment of the SIA and its strong relationship with the private security industry and all stakeholders. She has established a much respected Board and has ensured a sound balance between the commercial consideration of the industry and the social implications of a regulated environment. We express sincere thanks to Molly for all her work and wish her the very best in the future.”
Hazel Blears, the Home Office Minister with responsibility for the SIA, said:
It is with regret that the Home Secretary has accepted Molly Meacher’s resignation as Chair of the SIA. Molly Meacher has made a significant contribution to the establishment of the Authority over the past 20 months, and played a vital part in preparing the SIA for the start of door supervisor licensing in March 2004. We wish her well for the future.”
Molly Meacher was appointed Chairman of the SIA in March 2002 and led the Authority through its launch in April 2003.
The SIA licensing timetable remains on schedule.
Notes to Editors
1. Molly Meacher has extensive experience in the public sector, and was most recently the Deputy Chair of the Police Complaints Authority. Her previous experience also includes working as non-executive director of the Tower Hamlets Healthcare Trust and as advisor to the Head of the Russian Ministry of Employment. She is an author of books on poverty and mental health and reports on policing issues. She is married with four adult children.
2. The SIA was set up as part of the provisions of the Private Security Industry Act 2001. The Act requires all individuals providing security services in designated sectors in England and Wales to be licensed. The Scottish Executive has proposed an extension of the SIA’s remit to cover Scotland.
3. The main SIA tasks are:
• Raise the profile of the security industry.• License individual security employees and to operate an approved companies scheme that will ensure training, recruitment, supervision and quality to conform to SIA standards.• Keep under review the private security industry and the operation of legislative framework.• Monitor the activities and effectiveness of those working in the industry.• Work with key groups within the industry to approve standards of conduct, further develop training and supervision of standards within the industry.
• Ensure SIA licences are carried and displayed.
4. Timetable for SIA licensing:
• Early 2004 – Pilot scheme for door supervisors• 2004 – Rollout licensing of door supervisors and wheel clampers• 2005 – Licensing of security guards and key holders• 2006 – Licensing of private investigators and security consultants.