Richard Childs QPM, the FORMER CHIEF CONSTABLE of Lincolnshire Police and now director of The Community Safety Consultancy, has been appointed chief executive of the Joint Security Industry Council (JSIC). Childs succeeds Mike Welply, who leaves the role after many years of excellent work in the industry, writes Brian Sims.
Childs, who also serves as a member of Security Management Today’s (SMT) Editorial Advisory Board, takes on the role at a pivotal time for the industry, with the licensing of manned security officers set to commence next January and talk of the ‘extended police family’ grabbing the major players’ attentions.
Speaking exclusively to SMT, Childs commented: “I’m well aware that, since it was created, JSIC has grown into an increasingly significant player within the security industry family. A player which needs to be consolidated and further developed. Above all, JSIC must be able to work effectively at the highest levels in Government, within the industry and alongside the Security Industry Authority (SIA), while also providing its members with the services they need.”
Childs is adamant that the organisation needs to demonstrate increasing “foresight, flexibility and innovation”. He wants to position JSIC in such a way that it enjoys enhanced credibility both inside and outside the security industry, and has a clear understanding of what and who is going to affect the sector during the next few years. “If JSIC fulfils that remit then it can be a major influencer,” added Childs.
JSIC’s membership is wide ranging, and there are several concerns to be addressed among that band of companies. Initially, Childs’ main task will be to understand those concerns and then address them individually. “For those members who are affected by regulation, JSIC is duty bound to be seen to be working alongside the regulator and influencing its decisions,” suggested Childs. “Wherever appropriate, and within the spirit of our Articles of Association, JSIC should sign up to the regulator’s strategic agenda, being a critical friend rather than simply acting as a critic.”
Childs concluded: “From 1 December, I’ll be working very closely with the Management Committee and Council to ensure that JSIC is here to stay, and is a force to be reckoned with.”