PRCI is to conduct a full impact study of the costs and benefits associated with implementing the Private Security Industry Act
Security Industry Authority (SIA) chair Molly Meacher has commissioned Perpetuity Research and Consultancy International (PRCI) – a spin-out company at The Scarman Centre – to research the likely effects of regulation and related market and commercial changes on the private security industry.

In practice, the programme of work will involve PRCI leader Professor Martin Gill consulting with the industry to develop a full impact study on the costs and benefits associated with implementing the terms and conditions of the Private Security Industry Act 2001. From that research will evolve a Sector Skills Strategy identifying future workforce planning and the staff development needs of the industry.

An important aspect of the work is for PRCI to review all relevant submissions made to the Home Office and the SIA, and to consult widely within the industry. In particular, views are being sought from employees, employers and Trade Associations, end users and other strategic partners – including the police service and the custodial and courts services.

Meacher and her counterpart at the SIA, chief executive John Saunders, have set a demanding timetable for the project such that Home Office mandarins may be fully informed of all the salient issues before announcing final licensing criteria.

The four key areas to be considered comprise:

  • defining the scale and scope of the security sector (ie identifying which occupations and jobs form the private security sector);
  • specifying the impact of licensing (and other changes) on organisations – identifying the impact in terms of business opportunities and costs arising from the external changes affecting the industry and the introduction of licensing;
  • defining skills and workforce development plans – PRCI's researchers will be looking to find out what skills will be needed over the next five years, and address demand and supply issues;
  • proposing structures and sources of funding to deliver the Sector Skills Strategy – what kind of funding will have to be in place for the training needs of tomorrow to be met?

PRCI is keen to elicit structured feedback on these topic areas, ensuring that the views of all players in the industry are represented.

A full description of the project, together with a questionnaire for response, can be downloaded from the PRCI web site (www.perpetuitygroup.com/sia).

Professor Gill and his colleague at PRCI, Dr Tony Burns-Howell, are particularly looking for responses to be returned electronically and as soon as possible. The slated last date for receipt of comments is Wednesday 15 January 2003.

Further information can be obtained from Dr Burns-Howell: a.burnshowell@perpetuitygroup.com