The Security Industry Authority’s Approved Contractor Scheme

What Is SIA Approved Contractor Scheme?

The Security Industry Authority‘s Approved Contractor Scheme (SIA ACS) is a quality assurance program for the private security sector. The SIA created this program to elevate standards within the industry and assist the private security sector in developing new opportunities. The SIA ACS is a voluntary scheme, so whilst security companies don’t have to obtain this accreditation it is in their best interest to do so as the scheme provides assurance to security Clients that the company meets all security industry standards.

What Are The Benefits Of Obtaining ACS Status?

• SIA ACS accreditation is a badge of quality that shows prospective clients that you are a legitimate and respectable business. As such, people will have more trust in your security company.
• Inclusion in the Register of Approved Contractors.
• Authority to display your ACS accreditation on your stationery, websites, among others.
• Subcontract jobs from larger firms.
• SIA approved wall plaques, lapel badges, and contractor certificates

What Does the ACS scheme cover:

The scheme covers the security activities that the SIA license. They are:

1. Manned Guarding, which includes

• Security Guarding
• Door Supervision (In-house and contractors)
• Close Protection
• Public Space Surveillance (CCTV)
• Cash and Valuables in Transit

2. Keyholding
3. Vehicle Immobilisers (In-house and contractors)

How To Get SIA Approved Contractor Status

An independent assessor will determine whether your security company meets the SIA’s requirements for Approved Contractor Status. You will need to demonstrate to this assessor that your company meets defined standards in these nine categories:

1. Strategy: Your security company must have a clear strategic direction that enables it to offer value to all stakeholders to obtain the SIA Approve Contractor Scheme Status.
2. Processes: Your security company needs robust processes to guarantee a consistent quality of service delivery to clients and stakeholders.
3. Commercial Relationship Management: Your company must promote robust and transparent relationships with its consumers, suppliers, and customers, founded on mutual respect and trust.
4. Financial Management: Your company must be financially viable with enough resources to meet its present and future obligations
5. Resources: Equipment, procedures, and adequate premises are necessary to sustain your company within the relevant industry sectors.
6. People: Your security agency must have developed and implemented plans to ensure that employees are suitably trained and catered for.
7. Leadership: Companies seeking SIA ACS must have leaders capable of developing and implementing a practical management approach that constantly improves the organization and its performance.
8. Corporate Social Responsibility: Your company should actively manage the effect of its services on the local community.
9. Results: You must be able to measure, understand, and improve your achievements in relation to all stakeholders.

How To Become An Approved Contractor

There are two routes to obtaining SIA ACS accreditation status. These are the standard route and the Passport route. These routes are equivalent and ensure that the standards required of all Approved Contractors are consistent.

How Can JVR Consultancy Help You?

We can assist you throughout the whole process including application, completing the ACS workbook, producing the required procedures, conducting gap analysis and internal audits, and co-hosting the ACS Certification Body audit with you.

Frequently Asked Questions from our Customers