Deputy Director of Legal Services

Overview

The SIA exists to protect the public through effective regulation of the private security industry. We are a high performing regulator, working collaboratively with industry, enforcement agencies, Government, and the devolved administrations in Scotland and Northern Ireland.

We are operating at a time of change and increased public interest in us and our work. Last year Parliament passed new legislation which named the SIA as the new, independent, Martyn’s Law regulator; an important and substantial role that will raise the standards of preparedness and protective security across the UK.

As Deputy Director of Legal Services, you will lead the legal services team to deliver high quality legal advice across the full range of SIA activity spanning criminal prosecutions; regulatory appeals and challenges; judicial review and inquests; commercial contracts; data protection; corporate governance matters; risk management; and regulatory policy matters. As the most senior legal advisor to the SIA, you will also be required to provide legal leadership on our most high profile and sensitive cases, ensuring high risk matters are handled soundly.

As our remit and work on Martyn’s Law develops over the next 3-5 years, you will develop the work and capability of the legal team in support of the new civil regulatory regime, horizon scanning to anticipate changes to our statutory legal obligations and those of the wider private security industry. Your provision of expert, risk-based, qualitative legal advice to a range of internal clients (including the SIA Board, Chair and Chief Executive) will be key to organisational performance and impact, and you will need to build and lead the expertise in the team to support this.

We are looking for a Head of Legal Services with a strong track record of providing authoritative expert legal advice in a UK public sector or regulatory context. Comfortable moving between strategic thinking and technical detail across a range of legal subject areas, your extensive experience of leading teams in a law firm or in house environment will be coupled with accomplished communication and influencing capability.

Above all, you will be an authentic, strategic and collaborative leader with the capability to take our already good service levels to the next level while supporting an engaged and talented team at a time of transition and change.

This is both an exceptional career opportunity and an exciting time to be part of the SIA. If you have the necessary skills, expertise, and experience, share our passion for making a real difference to public safety and will embrace our values and culture, we look forward to hearing from you.

For an informal discussion about the role, contact Russell Brandon at russell

Closing date: 12 noon, Friday 13 February 2026