Former chief constable appointed as chair of the SIA
The former chief constable of Staffordshire Police has been appointed as chair of the Security Industry Authority (SIA).
Mike Cunningham CBE QPM, who has extensive experience in leadership roles across criminal justice, policing, and community safety, will take up the role on March 1.
He takes over from Heather Baily QPM, who after five years as the chair of the SIA will step down at the end of February.
The SIA’s primary focus is public protection, raising standards for both individuals and companies working in the private security industry. The SIA will also in due course become the new regulator for Martyn’s Law.
Mr Cunningham said: “It is a privilege to take on the role of chair of the SIA. A significant amount has been achieved over the five years of Heather Baily’s tenure.
“This is an important time for the SIA, as it prepares to take on responsibilities as the new regulator for Martyn’s Law. I look forward to working with the SIA’s executive leadership and all the dedicated staff at the SIA and partners to build on the excellent work so far and ensure the SIA continues making significant contribution to keeping places and people safe and secure across the UK.
The chair of the SIA’s responsibilities include:
- Providing effective strategic leadership at board level;
- Supporting the SIA in meeting its statutory objectives and its role in the wider security landscape;
- Ensuring good governance and risk management; and
- Building effective stakeholder relationships.
Security Minister Dan Jarvis said: “The SIA has an important role in supporting the public safety priorities of the Government.
“Mike Cunningham has an impressive track record and has demonstrated a strong commitment to public and community safety throughout his career. I look forward to working closely with him.
“I also want to thank Heather Baily for her tireless dedication to her work as chair of the SIA over the last five years.”
Mr Cunningham has been involved in policing and community safety for more than 30 years.
He was chief constable of Staffordshire Police from 2009 to 2014 and received an honorary doctorate from the University of Staffordshire in 2014 in recognition of his significant contribution to policing and law and order.
He was HM Inspector of Constabulary from 2014-2017, with lead responsibility for inspecting forces in the north of England and Northern Ireland and chief executive officer of the College of Policing from January 2018 to December 2020, setting standards for policing in England and Wales.
In 2021, he was appointed as Lead Commissioner for a Government Intervention into Liverpool City Council, after which he was the independent chair of the Council Improvement Board.
In 2013, he received the Queen’s Police Medal and was appointed as CBE in 2021. He is also chair of the Catholic Safeguarding Standards Agency.