For the attention of: | News Desks | No of pages: | 01 |
Date: | 08 April 2022 | Ref: | NR08-22 |
SIA announces "good causes" grants using confiscated criminal cash
Today (08 April 2022) the Security Industry Authority (SIA) announced the beneficiaries of its 2021/2022 grants for good causes. Altogether the SIA has awarded a total of £113,000 to nine charities and community enterprise groups. The grants will come from a special SIA fund that uses ill-gotten cash confiscated from individuals convicted of criminal offences within the private security industry.
The awards and beneficiaries for the grants are:
- £25,000 to EY Foundation: Secure Futures programme (a previous beneficiary).
- £20,000 to The Prince's Trust for ‘Get Into' Security initiative (a previous beneficiary).
- £13,630 to ProtectEd, for its SecurED research initiative.
- £12,500 to PTSD Resolution, rehabilitation for former service personnel, many of whom are security personnel suffering mental health issues following active service.
- £10,000 to Argus Community Interest Company, which offers specialist security training in County Durham.
- £10,000 to Young Enterprise, for its initiative to support 600 students in Stoke.
- £10,000 to Global Vision Initiative, a Manchester-based community enterprise supporting women and girls from a range of communities.
- £7,257 to Samsons Academy for its SIA Training and Certification Courses in Bedford.
- £4,619 to Banana Enterprise Network for the purchase of personal alarms and a safety app for this Bolton based charity.
Pete Easterbrook, the SIA's Head of Criminal Enforcement, said:
"We believe that crime should not pay, so it's fitting that illegally acquired money should be taken from criminals and used for the benefit of society and, especially for the protection of the public.
"This money will support organisations with a focus on protecting the public. This includes charities actively preventing violence against women and girls; supporting young people who are searching for post-education careers in security and protecting vulnerable people in higher education.
Money from this fund will also continue to support the rehabilitation of service personnel with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder."
Michelle Russell, Chief Executive of the SIA said:
"We are delighted to award nine charities and social enterprises from the funds derived from court orders following our pursuit of the proceeds of crime. This year's beneficiaries are a reflection of some great work underway by charities from across the UK all contributing to public protection."
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Further information:
The SIA has held powers under the Proceeds of Crime Act (POCA) since 2015. This allows the SIA to undertake financial investigations and seek confiscation orders against companies and individuals who make a profit from criminal activity. POCA is a law that ensures any money made from criminal activity can be recovered.
Since 2017 the SIA has been pursuing financial recovery from convicted criminals following prosecution. Where the SIA has brought a prosecution and there has been a conviction, the SIA may undertake confiscation proceedings against those convicted. If successful, the SIA receives a percentage of the confiscated money. The proceeds must be used to either fund good causes or further SIA's financial investigations.
Read the SIA's blog ‘The Proceeds of Crime Act (2002)', published in 2019.
The Security Industry Authority is the organisation 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 designated activities; and managing the voluntary Approved Contractor Scheme.
For further information about the Security Industry Authority or to sign up for email updates visit:www.gov.uk/sia. The SIA is also onFacebook (Security Industry Authority)andTwitter (@SIAuk).
Media enquiriesonlyplease contact:
Security Industry Authority
0300 123 9869