In response to public criticism the government has regulated the private security industry.
The 2001 Private Security Industry Act required the SIA to establish a "system of inspection for providers of security services, under which those organizations who satisfactorily meet the agreed standards may be registered as approved, and may advertise themselves as such."
From 20th March 2006 Licenses or Approved Contractor Certificates were legally required for most security companies and staff. Failure to comply is a criminal offence. Without a License or Approved Contractor Certificate it will be illegal to offer or supply many security services.
The SIA Approved Contractor Scheme is a process intended to offer companies the opportunity to both simplify their licensing and to save money. The ACS process demonstrates that a company is competent, well-managed and able to deliver a quality service. BSI is able to verify that a company has reached the required standard. Full details of the scheme can be obtained from the SIA.
Benefits of Being an Approved Contractor
Being an approved contractor can earn your company special dispensation to deploy security staff while their licence applications are being processed
The SIA Approved Contractor Scheme gives your organisation the opportunity to distinguish itself and stand proud as one of the best providers of private security services in England and Wales.
Approved Contractor status will also deliver valuable operational advantages that will help you to become more efficient by improving the utilisation of your security staff.
Business Opportunities
The benefits that the SIA Approved Contractor Scheme will deliver to buyers of private security services are being widely communicated to local authorities, government departments and the commercial sector. There is also a Register of SIA Approved Contractors for buyers to refer to via the internet and telephone when selecting suppliers. You will even be given copies of the ACS brochure to give to your customers, prospects and employees to explain the benefits of working with an SIA Approved Contractor.
Operational Advantages
As an Approved Contractor, you have special dispensation to deploy security staff while their licence applications are being processed. This will help you to achieve greater flexibility and improved management of operational costs. Licence dispensation cannot be used on assignments working with children or vulnerable adults.
Further Benefits of ACS Accreditation
Once accredited, your company will be able to display the Approved Contractor plaque and certificate in your reception or boardroom.
You will also be able to add the accreditation mark to your stationery, vehicle livery and website. You'll be able to buy extra certified copies of your ACS certificate to include in your new business proposals, or supply to existing clients to demonstrate your status.
When you display the ACS accreditation mark, you will reassure your customers, prospects and employees that they've chosen to work with one of the very best security providers in the business.
ACS accreditation may even be something to use in your negotiations with your commercial insurance providers.
Next steps
For more information on how BSI can help with your SIA ACS registration please contact us on telephone number: (+44) (0)845 080 9000 or email: infosec.enquiries@bsigroup.com.
The Process
BSI offers two routes to suit different situations - Fast Track or Standard. Both routes are managed and defined by the SIA and verified by BSI, ensuring that all Approved Contractors achieve the same high standards. (The Fast Track route is available to those companies holding existing accredited ISO 9001: 2000 certificates covering their security service provision).
Standard Route
The standard route to becoming a member of the Approved Contractors scheme is as follows:
- Firstly the company needs to register with the SIA via the SIA web site
- Obtain a 'Self Assessment Workbook' from the SIA
- Record both scores and relevant evidence in the Self Assessment Workbook
- Ensure the stipulated requirements of the 'Self Assessment Workbook' and ACS Standard are met
- Complete and be able to demonstrate both scores and required evidence using the SIA's online Achievement Record process
- Finally, BSI will verify the application by conducting an assessment of the applicant’s organization and workbook results before making a recommendation to the SIA
Fast track
Fast track approval by SIA will be provided for companies with current ISO 9001: 2000 certification from BSI (or another UKAS accredited certification body).
Companies will need:
- Full ISO 9001:2000 certification issued by a UKAS accredited certification body
- Compliance to relevant British Standards for the security industry verified by an accredited certification body
- Completion of the ACS 'Self Assessment Workbook' showing the required score
- ACS assessment visit with an SIA approved certification body scheduled and confirmed
- A statement percentage of your licensable staff who hold a SIA licence being above the designated level – available at all times
Next steps
For more information on how BSI can help with your SIA ACS registration please contact us on telephone number: (+44) (0)845 080 9000 or email: infosec.enquiries@bsigroup.com.
