If the private security industry is to continue to protect the public, then it’s important that the industry’s standards are both maintained and improved.
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However, in order for that to happen, then there has to be some way of measuring standards. One such way that this happens is via the Security Industry Authority (SIA), a non-departmental public body that’s in charge of monitoring and regulating the private security industry within the UK. They set up the Approved Contractor Scheme (ACS), which we’ll take a close look at in this blog, including looking at what it is, who it applies to, and why your business needs it.
What Is the Approved Contractor Scheme?
The Approved Contractor Scheme was created by the Security Industry Authority as a way to elevate standards within the industry. It’s a voluntary scheme, so companies don’t need to get accreditation, but it’s in their interests to do so. It can help to improve a company’s marketing, and, more broadly, it just shows a commitment to the industry in which the company works. Companies can become ACS certified following a period of inspection from external bodies, which will determine whether they’re meeting the standards as established by the SIA.
Who It Applies To?
To be eligible to become ACS certified, then you’ll need to work within the field. The following types of company are included:
- Keyholding
- Security Guarding
- Close Protection
- Door Supervision
- Transporting valuables/cash
- CCTV Companies
There are also some other criteria that the company must meet. For example, they must operate solely within the UK and have at least one minimum contract for security services. They must also have been in operation for more than twelve months and have at least two workers with a license to carry out their duties.
Why You Need ACS Certification
You don’t need to be part of the Approved Contractor Scheme to work in the private security industry, but it is recommended that you are because of the many benefits that it could bring to your business. For starters, it can function as a badge of quality for your business. If you’ve gone through the process of receiving the ACS accreditation for your business, then potential customers will know that you’re a legitimate and respectable operation. Ultimately, it improves the levels of trust and confidence that people have in your business!
It’s also a useful marketing tool. There’s no shortage of private security companies to choose from. When it comes to deciding which one to work with, people look for factors that help to set a company apart. Taking part in ACS accreditation will do just that. There could also be additional business operations, as having the Approved Contractor Scheme badge means you can subcontract jobs from larger firms.
If you’re ready to begin your journey towards getting your company ACS accredited, then be sure to get in touch with us here at JVR Compliance Consultants & Auditors. We’re recognised as one of the most accomplished and expert compliance advisory consultancies in the UK. You’re in safe hands when you work with us.
Frequently Asked Questions from our Customers
Yes we can, we can assist you with any of the accreditation featured on our website. We have a 100% record of securing any of the accreditation in the first audit for all our customers for the last 13 years.
More to the point, I ask clients how quickly can you start. We can have a consultant working on your accreditation within the hour if you are ready. The only things that take time are the audit dates, these are issued to the client by the certification body so it is out of our control.
This depends on how much the client has in place already. The more they have, the easier it becomes to work on their accreditation. The gap analysis that we carry out is free of charge and afterwards will give you an exact fixed price.
The fixed price will include the following –
- Carry out all the work ( creating documents & processes tailored to your company )
- Attend the audit ( as your expert consultant ) or make the desktop submission.
- Make any corrections that the auditor may highlight to ensure that you obtain your accreditation the first audit.
Initially, we need to talk to you to carry out the free gap analysis. Afterwards, we would require you to forward all the relevant documents. After that, we can complete the work with the minimum of your input, leaving you to concentrate on doing what you do best for the company.
Yes! Let us Manage your Accreditations with Ongoing Support and Maintenance. With us managing your accreditations, your team can then focus on business growth and development. This gives you peace of mind knowing your compliance is being routinely managed by professionals. Ongoing support and maintenance avoids panic in your business when suddenly faced with an audit, knowing at all times you are well prepared.
Achieve Accreditation and Compliance with JVR
JVR Consultancy was formed in the year 2008 and their head office is based in Windsor and Maidenhead. We noticed that there was a gap in the market, for companies who work in the construction, rail, utilities, oil and gas sector who were not fully supported in the way that they could be when it came to industry compliance and certification. That is why our highly experienced team of compliance consultants can serve these sectors by providing over 135 years of combined experience with all compliance needs. In short, you won’t find anyone else who cares as much, or who tries as hard as we do.
Speak with one of our experienced consultants. At JVR, we know that time is precious, and you want the answers to your questions quickly, especially during an audit!. Once we speak with you for the first time over the phone, we need around 10 minutes to fully evaluate which accreditation you need support with and a brief introduction into you and your company.
Managing Director at JVR Consultancy, Steven Sandhu, is passionate and committed to supporting his clients within their chosen Compliance accreditation. With over 15 years of experience across multiple compliance industries, Steven prides himself on delivering 100% accreditation success for his clients, mixed with a passion for providing excellence by understanding the goals and the needs of his clients’ businesses. All this, combined with his strong breadth of skills and knowledge by routinely researching industry requirements changes and introducing new regulated requirements
Our consultants have an extensive level of experience in developing solutions and offering guidance for our clients and their businesses. We offer a free GAP analysis, which will help to assess the difference between your business performance and your goals. It’s a fantastic way for you to find out if your business needs are met, and if they aren’t, it gives you the insight and confidence you need to deliver improvement before an audit. Learning more about what is Gap Analysis and how will the report benefit you.
With a success rate of 100% and a team who will go above and beyond to make sure that your expectations are met, you know that you can trust in us to provide you with the knowledge, resources and expertise you need to make a difference. Contact us today to find out more.
To identify the objectives and benefits that are needed to achieve your desired level of compliance, we offer a FREE, no-obligation Gap Analysis. Our analysis will assess your current systems and documentation. Just start your journey by filling in the form below, and one of our specialists will contact you (typically within one working day) to make arrangements.
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