STORY
The Security Industry Authority has begun the process of gaining prescribed person status under the Public Interest Disclosure Act 1998, giving whistleblowers in the private security industry a clearer route to raise concerns. The change took effect from 2 June, subject to final parliamentary scrutiny of the relevant statutory instrument.
Prescribed person status means workers can make protected disclosures to the SIA when they have genuine concerns about wrongdoing in the sector. The regulator said the change responded to a gap it had asked to be closed and would support those who speak up about misconduct or serious failings.
The move has wider implications for regulation of the private security industry, which covers areas including door supervision, guarding and security contracting. Ministers and regulators are likely to argue that stronger whistleblowing protections can improve standards, protect the public and help uncover problems that might otherwise remain hidden.