Mike Reddington, Chief Executive, British Security Industry Association on security in 2022

We asked Mike Reddington, Chief Executive, British Security Industry Association: What key innovations and developments for security do you think will emerge in 2022?

We started out not knowing what a pandemic would bring to our industry, facing much uncertainty, especially when the first lockdowns were mentioned. Yet despite all this, we achieved a lot of good, including reaching key worker status; a shoutout by the PM himself; and a huge collaborative effort in launching our industry’s ‘Hidden Workforce – Perceptions’ campaign.

Now we’re heading out of the global pandemic, it’s time to reflect on both our achievements and our next steps, as this has been a huge learning curve for the professional security industry. Despite retail, nightlife and venue closures SIA licence numbers remain high with security officers in as high demand as ever before. New training requirements following the Manchester Arena Inquiry commitment to increasing professionalism provide focus on upskilling our workforce, as well as continuing to drive security as a ‘career of choice’ through various channels.

Whilst we approach what we consider the new normality, it is important that we show how close the industry has grown together despite the pandemic keeping us apart. Technology is wonderful and such a useful tool. Having said that, we must still be mindful as to how we increase the useability and standards for technology in the security sphere due to its exponential growth.