Approved Contractors Scheme

Overview

The Private Security Industry Act 2001 requires the SIA to establish a "system of inspection for providers of security services, under which those organisations who satisfactorily meet the agreed standards may be registered as approved, and may advertise themselves as such".

The objective of the SIA's Approved Contractor scheme is to raise performance standards and to assist the private security industry in developing new opportunities. The scheme is voluntary and was developed in consultation with representatives from across the industry; it will only cover those parts of the industry that are regulated by the SIA and the Private Security Industry Act.

Benefits of Using an Approved Contractor

Continuity of Service

Suppliers of security services who are not Approved Contractors are only able to deploy staff that physically hold a valid SIA licence; to do otherwise is a criminal offence. Approved Contractors will be given special dispensation to deploy staff that have completed their training and are waiting for their SIA licence application to be processed. Approved Contractors will therefore be able to offer greater flexibility and operational effectiveness when supplying security services.

Best Practice and Continuity of Quality

You can be confident that the employment practices of the supplier (or their sub-contractors) have been assessed in respect of quality and best practice.

Clear Customer Focus and Increased Flexibility

You can expect effective customer-focused procedures in place to overcome any issues that arise in service delivery. The ACS Standard encourages service customisation, rather than 'off-the-shelf' packages. This will help ensure that the services delivered more closely reflect your precise requirements.

Leadership and Innovation
The ACS is a progressive quality initiative. It's also a voluntary scheme. You can expect accredited providers to be highly responsive to change and swift to adopt new methods and best practices.

The Extended Police Family

The status of the ACS is recognised by the police and offers the potential for enhanced working relationships. The aim is to provide practical benefits through 'joined-up' police, business and community initiatives.