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SIA ACS: The Security Industry Authority's Approved Contractor Scheme

The SIA ‘Security Industry Authority’ is an government organisation which regulates the security industry and offers an ACS or ‘Approved Contractor Scheme’

 

What is SIA ACS Certification?

The SIA ‘Security Industry Authority’ is an government organisation which regulates the security industry and offers an ACS or ‘Approved Contractor Scheme’ which is a UK  recognised hallmark to show the company is operating in an ethical fashion and is following industry codes of practice.

In consultation with the Private Security Industry Act 2001, this scheme was designed by members of the security industry which helps organisations to demonstrate their competence, training and commitment to the continuous improvement of their operations.

SIA ACS Requirements

Obtaining ACS Certification distinguishes a company from its competitors and instils confidence that the service provided is of a high standard.

 

Although the ACS scheme is entirely voluntary, it is becoming a commercial necessity to be SIA ACS approved regardless of the security sector the business is in, so it is of benefit of the organisation to obtain SIA ACS accreditation now.

 

The SIA state that before awarding a company ‘Approved Contractor status’ they must be satisfied that “…the company seeking approval must be a fit and proper organisation, and the company directors must be fit and proper persons” and “supplying a security service for over 12 months with a contract and minimum of 2 staff on PAYE”.

 

All directors of the company will need to obtain an SIA license before the ACS process can be started. This is a legal requirement and should already be in place if they are doing business.

What is the SIA ACS accreditation ?

The Approved Contractor Scheme (ACS) was introduced by the Security Industry Authority (SIA) as a voluntary scheme. It provides contractors with recognisable approved status within a specific sector and is based on standardized qualifying criteria.

 

What are the benefits of the SIA ACS accreditation ?

Displaying the SIA ACS mark of accreditation, your customers will feel assured that they are dealing with a business that is approved by one of the security industry’s best service providers.

The SIA’s Approved Contractor Scheme is regarded as the benchmark for quality within the security sector. It has a standardized set of qualifying criteria that companies must meet in order to become SIA ACS accredited.

Security Industry Authority’s Approved Contractor Scheme Eligibility

To be eligible for the Security Industry Authority’s ACS, a business must meet the following criteria:

  • Supply security services within the United Kingdom.
  • Supply contracted security services. In-house security providers cannot apply.
  • Have a minimum of one current contract for supplying security services.
  • Have a minimum of 12 months history of supplying security services at the time of application.
  • Supply a minimum of 2 licensable operatives, who are under contract to provide security industry services, within each of the sectors applied for.
  • Supply licensable security personnel who are under contract to provide security industry services. Labour providers cannot apply.

Failure to meet all of the above criteria will result in a Security Industry Authority’s Approved Contractor Scheme application being rejected.

The SIA does not routinely conduct the verification process themselves. A verification visit needs to be conducted by a 3rd party SIA-approved assessment body. The following independent assessors can conduct a verification visit:

 

What are the benefits of SIA ACS ( Security Industry Authority’s Approved Contractor Scheme ?

 

  • Provides increased marketing opportunities, giving your business a competitive edge.
  • Inspires trust and confidence in your customers for the quality of service you will provide them.
  • Increases business opportunities as your company could operate as a subcontractor for larger firms.
  • Sia Acs certification demonstrates your commitment to maintaining the highest levels of quality for your customers.

How can MRK Consultancy  help your Business in Getting SIA ACS ?

  • We will guide you, step-by-step, through the whole process, so you can get it right first time.
  • We can help you implement the processes detailed in the workbook, and record the necessary information required to achieve Security Industry Authority’s Approved Contractor Scheme accreditation.
  • Once you have received SIA ACS approval from the Sia, we can conduct routine assessments to ensure you’re maintaining the standards required to keep your SIA ACS (Security Industry Authority’s Approved Contractor Scheme ) accreditation.

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