The government has launched a consultation to implement recommendations made by the Manchester Arena Inquiry, that investigated the terrorist attack that resulted in the death of 22 people in 2017.
The inquiry recommended that in-house CCTV operatives and security businesses should be licensed by the Security Industry Authority, a regulator within the Home Office. Currently the SIA licensing regime applies to frontline security operatives and non-frontline partners, directors, managers and supervisors of security firms. They need to meet criteria to prove they who are “fit and proper” individuals. Licences need to be renewed every three years.
It was found by the Manchester Arena Inquiry that the bomber, Salman Abedi, had visited the venue prior to the attack as part of hostile reconnaissance. The inquiry report noted that Abedi took advantage of blind spots in the CCTV system for the venue that he would have identified during his reconnaissance.
Manchester Arena Inquiry identifies failings in SIA licensing regime
The Inquiry also found that two CCTV operators at the arena were not vetted or trained to the same level, because one was hired in-house, and was therefore exempt from SIA licensing, while the other was an external contractor and subject to SIA licensing requirements, even though both were performing the same role.
The government’s consultation is considering a range of options, which includes expanding licencing beyond CCTV operatives to security guards, and possibly beyond this to also cover close protection officers, key holding operatives and cash valuables in transit operatives.
Meanwhile, private companies, and trade bodies in the security sector, along with the Night Time Industries Association, which represents hospitality venues, wrote to the Home Secretary last year calling for mandatory business licensing as recommended by the Manchester Arena Inquiry. Up to now there has been a voluntary scheme but the Inquiry exposed weaknesses in the enforcement of the Private Security Industry Act 2001 by the SIA.
Signatories, which included Richard Fogelman chief executive of the National Security Inspectorate (NSI), which provides Ecl-ips with its accreditation, argued that not having a licensing scheme mandatory for all private security businesses exposed the “sector exposed to significant risks, particularly as the role of private security in supporting public safety continues to expand, including its alignment with Martyn’s Law.”
In his statement to Parliament in December the Minister of State for Security, Dan Jarvis, said the consultation was: “targeted at security businesses, in-house and SIA licensed security operatives, in-house employers of security operatives, buyers of security, local and public authorities, and industry associations.” The consultation runs until 12th March.
Martyn’s Law Guidance expected
In addition to its licensing role, the SIA will become the regulator for the Terrorism (Protection of Premises) Act, known as Martyn’s Law, when it comes into force in 2027. Under this both standard and enhanced tier premises will have to notify the SIA that they are responsible for the premises and have in place measures to protect the public in the event of a terrorist attack. Larger, enhanced premises will also have to provide documentation of their measures to the SIA.
Work has been taking place within the Home Office and the SIA on regulatory guidance for premises and the SIA is expected to launch a consultation on its regulatory framework this spring. In the meantime, the Home Office has published factsheets, and the Protect UK website is providing updates, on Martyn’s Law to help businesses to prepare.
There have been a number of initiatives developed to help companies prepare for the changes being brought by Martyn’s Law. Figen Murray OBE, whose original campaigning led to the development of the law, continues to be involved in its development and advising others. The law is named after her son, Martyn Hett, who was one of those murdered in the Manchester Arena attack. Additionally, the Martyn’s Law Forum has formed to keep interested parties updated of developments and the Decision Support Centre has also launched. It has developed a national event database for venues to register their event and show how they are mitigating their terrorism risks.
As an NSI Gold-approved security solutions company, we believe that if organisations combine better staff training and communication with the use of advanced technology compliance with Martyn’s Law should not be too burdensome. We would be delighted to talk through options available that could help to provide better protection for staff and customers within a venue. Please contact us to find out more.