The British Security Industry Association (BSIA) has been active of late in providing guidance to its members on legislation that’s about to impact on the UK, and on responding to consultations (which will influence future legislation and policy).
The WEEE Directive
The Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE) Directive came into force in the UK on 1 July, promoting the reuse, recycling and recovery of electrical and electronic equipment and placing the cost of dealing with waste equipment on its ‘producers’.
The Association has represented members via its involvement in the consultation on the WEEE Directive, from its conception at a European level through to its enshrinement in UK law. This has involved comprehensive discussions with the Department of Trade and Industry as to whether security equipment is within the scope of the legislation.
A BSIA-organised compliance scheme, run by DHL, has been created to assist members in fulfilling their obligations under the present regulations. To date, 21 ‘producers’ have joined the scheme. The Association has kept members informed about the WEEE Directive – and the impact it may have upon their businesses – through regular e-mail bulletins, a dedicated web page on the BSIA web site and presentations from compliance scheme bodies at Section meetings.
The Association has also been active in promoting the introduction of the new legislation, and the direct impact it may have on end users.
Key consultations
In 2007, the BSIA has responded to a number of consultations, many of them dealing with Human Resources-based issues. These have included: an age discrimination consultation from the Confederation of British Industry, a Green Paper modernising labour law to meet the challenges of the 21st Century, a COESS/Uni Europa questionnaire concentrating on work-related stress and a Department of Trade and Industry consultation paper looking at increasing workers’ holiday entitlements.
The Association recently provided written evidence to a House of Lords Select Committee looking into the impact of surveillance and data collection on the privacy of citizens and their relationship with the State. The BSIA’s response highlighted the many benefits that CCTV brings to the prevention and detection of crime, and acknowledged the importance of the technology operating in a regulated environment in accordance with legislation.
Finally, the BSIA has responded to the draft Money Laundering Regulations 2007, asking for clarification as to whether the regulations will impact on those responsible for the transportation of high value items and cash.
The BSIA is doing its utmost to influence legislation and policies that will impact on the security industry and its customers.