Today, 7 June 2021, Heather Baily QPM, starts her new role at
the Chair of the Security Industry Authority (SIA). Appointed
by the Home Office, her term as Chair will run for three
years.
As Chair of the Authority Heather Baily will contribute to
the overall strategic direction and corporate oversight of
the SIA, ensuring with other Authority Members, that the
SIA’s Executive Team is held to account for discharging its
duties effectively and to the highest possible standards.
Michelle Russell, Acting Chief Executive of the SIA, welcomed
Heather Baily and said:
On behalf of the Authority Members and colleagues at the
SIA, we welcome Heather Baily as our new Chair. She brings
with her a wealth of experience in both non executive and
executive roles in public service. We all look forward to
working closely with Heather in the future.
Heather Baily takes over from the Acting Chair, David
Horncastle, who was appointed on an interim basis in January
2021 following the retirement of Elizabeth France.
Michelle Russell added:
We would also like to thank David Horncastle who has been
interim Chair of the SIA since the start of the year and
before that Deputy Chair. His insight and guidance have
been invaluable over the years, and we will miss his sound
advice and the support he has provided us.
Heather said about her appointment:
I am delighted to be appointed as Chair of the SIA. This is
an important time for the organisation, as the SIA
continues with its plans, having in the past year to
respond quickly to the impact of the pandemic. I look
forward to working with the dedicated staff there and with
our partners as we shape the organisation to ensure that
the SIA is as effective, productive and consistently
reliable and operates to the principles of the Regulators’
code.
Further information:
- The Home Office announcement regarding Heather’s
appointment can be found here
- Heather has worked as Deputy Chief Constable for
Hertfordshire Constabulary and was Deputy Chief Inspector for
Garda Inspectorate, Dublin. She was awarded the Queen’s
Police Medal for services to policing in 2011.
- In addition to her policing experience, Heather has
served as a Non-Executive Board Member for the Department of
Justice, Northern Ireland and currently serves as a
Non-Executive Board Member for Dorset Healthcare NHS Trust
where she is also Deputy Chair.
Notes to editors:
- The Security Industry Authority is the organisation
responsible for regulating the private security industry in
the United Kingdom, reporting to the Home Secretary under the
terms of the Private Security Industry Act 2001. Our main
duties are: the compulsory licensing of individuals
undertaking designated activities; and managing the voluntary
Approved Contractor Scheme.
