An approved contractor scheme run by the Security Industry Authority is in place.

The private security industry in the United Kingdom is a high-tech sector that is seeing fast growth. Since 2010, the industry has risen at a rate that is five times faster than the rest of the nation’s economy, according to estimates. High industry standards are required to ensure that private security businesses can continue to provide effective protection for the general population. The Security Industry Authority (SIA) is a government regulatory organisation responsible for monitoring and regulating private security in the United Kingdom. The Security Industry Authority (SIA) was established by the Home Office in order to supervise security industry contractors. The Approved Contractor Scheme (ACS) was established by this non-departmental public agency in order to increase performance requirements.

What Is the SIA Approved Contractor Scheme and How Does It Work?
The Approved Contractor Scheme (SIA ACS) of the Security Industry Authority is a quality assurance programme for the private security sector. The Security Industry Association (SIA) established this initiative to raise industry standards and aid the private security sector in exploring new prospects. It is not mandatory for security businesses to gain accreditation from the Security Industry Accreditation Scheme (SIA ACS); nonetheless, it is in their best interests to do so because it provides assurance to security clients that the organisation complies with all security industry regulations.

What Are the Advantages of Becoming a Member of the ACS?
The SIA Accreditation and Certification Scheme (ACS) accreditation is a quality mark that demonstrates to prospective customers that you are a reputable and respectable firm. As a result, your security company will get greater credibility among the general public. Advantages include:

• Getting your company included on the Register of Approved Contractors.
• authority to display your Accreditation by the American Chemical Society (ACS) on your stationery, websites, and other materials.
• Jobs that are subcontracted out to larger companies.
• Wall plaques, lapel badges, and contractor certificates that have been certified by the SIA

What is covered by the ACS plan is as follows:
The plan applies to all security activities that are licenced by the SIA. They are as follows:

• Manned guarding, which includes Security Guarding, Door Supervision, and other related services (In-house and contractors)
• Surveillance of Public Spaces with Close Protection (CCTV)
• Cash and valuables in transit are protected by keyholding and vehicle immobilisation (In-house and contractors)

How to Obtain Approved Contractor Status with the SIA
Whether or not your security company meets the SIA’s requirements for Approved Contractor Status will be determined by an independent assessor. You will need to demonstrate to this assessor that your organisation complies with established criteria in each of the following nine areas:

Strategy: In order to be eligible for the SIA Approved Contractor Scheme Status, your security company must have a clearly defined strategic direction that allows it to provide value to all stakeholders.

Processes: Your security company must have robust processes in place in order to provide consistently high-quality service to clients and other parties involved.

Relationship Management in the Commercial Sector: Your firm’s consumers, suppliers, and customers must have strong and transparent relationships with your company that are based on mutual respect and trust. The financial management of your firm must ensure that it is financially viable and has sufficient resources to meet both current and future obligations.

Resources: In order to maintain your company’s position within the key industry sectors, you’ll need the right equipment, procedures, and adequate space.

Workers: Your security agency should have created and implemented procedures to guarantee that employees are properly trained and catered for in their positions.

Leaders: Organizations interested in applying for SIA ACS must have leaders who are capable of designing and implementing a practical management approach that continuously improves the organisation and its performance. Managing the impact of your company’s services on the local community is an important part of your company’s corporate social responsibility.

Results: You must be able to measure, comprehend, and enhance your accomplishments in connection to all stakeholders, including customers and employees.

Instructions on How to Become an Approved Contractor
There are two ways to become accredited by the SIA Accreditation and Certification Services (ACS). There are two routes available: the normal path and the Passport route. These routes are equivalent and help to guarantee that the standards needed of all Approved Contractors are the same across the whole industry.

Route Communautaire
The Standard Route can be used by any security business, and there is no requirement for prior certification. The Self Assessment Workbook is the first step in following the Standard Route.

Route of the Passport
It is possible to obtain certification through any recognised passport programme by taking the Passport Route. The SIA ACS application form must be filled out completely, and the application fee must be paid upon submission. If your firm is authorised, the registration charge must be paid.

What Can JVR Consultancy Do To Assist You?

The entire process, from application to completion of the ACS workbook to generating required procedures to conducting gap analysis and internal audits, as well as co-hosting the ACS Certification Body audit with you, can be completed with our assistance.

Frequently Asked Questions from our Customers