Mike Cunningham CBE QPM is to start his new role as Chair of the SIA on 1 March 2026. Appointed by the Home Office, his term as Chair will run for 3 years.
The Chair of the SIA is responsible for leading the Board in carrying out its responsibilities to deliver ministerial expectations and the strategic objectives of the SIA. The SIA Chair is responsible to the Home Secretary for the governance and performance of the SIA as an arm's length body of the Home Office.
Michelle Russell, Chief Executive of the SIA, welcomed Mike Cunningham and said:
On behalf of the SIA Board and colleagues at the SIA, we welcome Mike Cunningham as our new Chair. Mike brings with him a wealth of leadership experience in both non-executive and executive roles in public service and community safety. We all look forward to working with Mike to drive forward our strategic plans and ambitions.
Mike Cunningham takes over from Heather Baily QPM, who after 5 years as the Chair of the SIA will step down at the end of February 2026.
Commenting on his appointment Mike said:
It is a privilege to take on the role of Chair of the SIA. A significant amount has been achieved over the 5 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.
Michelle Russell added:
We would also like to thank Heather Baily for her integrity and wisdom as Chair of the SIA. She has overseen significant changes at the SIA and its regulatory approach since her appointment in 2021. Heather's leadership has been marked by her drive to ensure the SIA worked visibly across all parts of the UK and her deep and sincere care for front line officers working tirelessly to safeguard the public and deliver public safety outcomes. We are hugely grateful to her for all her hard work and commitment.
Background
More about Mike Cunningham
Mike Cunningham has been involved in policing and community safety for over 30 years.
He was Chief Constable of Staffordshire Police from 2009 to 2014. He received an honorary doctorate from the University of Staffordshire in 2014 in recognition of his significant contribution to policing and law and order. He has been HM Inspector of Constabulary with lead responsibility for inspecting forces in the north of England and Northern Ireland and CEO of the College of Policing from 2018 setting standards for policing in England and Wales.
In 2021 Mike 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.
Details of the Home Office's appointment of Mike as the SIA's new Chair can be found here: Mike Cunningham CBE QPM, appointed as Chair of the SIA .
More about the SIA
The Security Industry Authority (SIA) is a public body, responsible for regulating the private security industry in the United Kingdom, reporting to the Home Secretary under the terms of the Private Security Industry Act 2001.
The SIA's main duties are: the compulsory licensing of individuals undertaking certain designated security activities; managing a voluntary quality scheme for Approved Contractors; inspecting and enforcing non-compliance
The SIA was named as the new regulator for Martyn's Law under the Terrorism (Protection of Premises) Act 2025. When the legislation is commenced, at least 2 years from Royal Assent, Martyn's Law will require certain public premises and events to put in place procedures and measures to protect their premises and be prepared to keep people safe in the event of a terrorist attack.
There are 6 non-executive members, including the Chair, on the SIA's Board. They possess a complementary set of skills and experience, including knowledge and experience of the private security industry, buyers, public safety, law enforcement, regulation and governance.
