SIA Chair Heather Baily to Step Down in February 2026: What This Means for the UK Security Industry
The Security Industry Authority (SIA) has confirmed that its Chair, Heather Baily, will step down from her role on 28 February 2026, bringing her tenure to an earlier conclusion than originally planned.
Heather Baily has served as Chair since June 2021, a period marked by regulatory reform, increased engagement with the private security industry, and a strong focus on public protection. Her departure marks a significant leadership transition for the UK’s private security regulator at a time of continued change and development.
Leadership and Achievements During Her Tenure
During her time as Chair, Heather Baily played a key role in strengthening the SIA’s governance and strategic direction. Working closely with the SIA Board and executive leadership, she helped ensure that regulatory standards remained robust while adapting to emerging challenges within the security sector.
Under her leadership, the SIA:
- Maintained strong regulatory performance and operational standards
- Strengthened engagement with the private security industry
- Reinforced its role as a UK-wide regulator
- Focused consistently on public safety and confidence in the licencing system
Heather Baily has publicly recognised the contribution of the SIA Board, non-executive directors, and staff, highlighting the professionalism and dedication that supported the organisation’s work throughout her tenure.
Collaboration with the SIA Executive Team
A key feature of Heather Baily’s leadership was her close working relationship with the SIA’s Chief Executive, Michelle Russell. Together, they supported the development of a proactive and forward-looking regulatory approach, ensuring that the SIA remained responsive to both industry needs and public safety expectations.
This collaboration helped strengthen the SIA’s external focus, particularly its engagement with:
- Private security businesses
- Licence holders
- Partner agencies
- Devolved administrations in Scotland and Northern Ireland
This UK-wide engagement reinforced the SIA’s consistency as a national regulator.
Ongoing Priorities Before February 2026
Although Heather Baily will step down in February 2026, she will continue to lead the SIA Board over the coming months as the organisation delivers on key regulatory priorities set out in its business plan.
These priorities include:
- Supporting the development of the Martyn’s Law regulatory function
- Continuing work on the new business approval scheme
- Tackling training malpractice within the sector
- Reviewing the individual licencing process to increase confidence in licencing decisions
- Overseeing the development of the SIA’s next three-year corporate strategy, due to take effect from April 2026
This period ensures continuity and stability while preparations are made for the next phase of leadership.
Appointment of the Next SIA Chair
The process to appoint the next Chair of the SIA will be led by the Home Office. As the role is a Ministerial appointment, the final decision will be made by the Home Secretary following an open and transparent recruitment process.
This process will be run through the Public Appointments system and is expected to begin shortly. The appointment of a new Chair will be an important step in shaping the future direction of the SIA and its regulatory approach.
Why This Matters for the Private Security Industry
Leadership at Board level plays a crucial role in setting regulatory tone, priorities, and long-term strategy. A change in Chair does not affect day-to-day licencing directly, but it can influence:
- Strategic focus
- Industry engagement
- Regulatory confidence and consistency
For licence holders, employers, and learners, this transition highlights the importance of staying informed about developments within the SIA and understanding how regulation continues to evolve.
Supporting Learners at London Security College
At London Security College, we closely monitor leadership and regulatory developments within the SIA. Understanding how the regulator operates, from licencing criteria to governance and leadership, helps our learners appreciate the importance of professionalism, compliance, and public trust within the UK security industry.
