Our Accreditations

Security Industry Authority 

The Security Industry Authority is the organisation responsible for regulating the private security industry. It is an independent body reporting to the Home Secretary, under the terms of the Private Security Industry Act 2001. Their mission is to regulate the private security industry effectively; to reduce criminality, raise standards and recognise quality service. Their remit covers Great Britain.

The SIA has two main duties. One is the compulsory licensing of individuals undertaking designated activities within the private security industry; the other is to manage the voluntary Approved Contractor Scheme, which measures private security suppliers against independently assessed criteria.

SIA licensing covers manned guarding (including security guarding, door supervision, close protection, cash and valuables in transit, and public space surveillance using CCTV), key holding and vehicle immobilising. Licensing ensures that private security operatives are ‘fit and proper’ persons who are properly trained and qualified to do their job.

The SIA’s Approved Contractor Scheme introduced a set of operational and performance standards for suppliers of private security services. Those organisations that meet these standards are awarded Approved Contractor status. This accreditation provides purchasers of private security services with independent proof of a contractor's commitment to quality.

The SIA believes that 'a professional, regulated private security industry has the potential to become a valuable member of the extended police family, helping to reduce crime, disorder and the fear of crime'.

For more information: http://www.the-sia.org.uk/home/about_sia/

 

National Security Inspectorate

The National Security Inspectorate (NSI) is a UKAS (United Kingdom Accreditation Service) - accredited inspectorate for manned security companies and electronic installation companies.

Each individual branch of a company must be approved against individual British Standards for the services it is offering. All the branches are listed in the NSI’s Directory. Several standards and codes of practice exist on specific aspects of manned security. Companies that successfully meet the standards are awarded Gold or Silver status. To achieve Gold status, as First Security has, the company must also meet industry-specific ISO 9000 Quality Management System requirements. New companies working towards full approval may join the NSI list under a temporary Bronze status.

The NSI is also one of the organisations with the authority to inspect firms applying for Approved Contractor status from the National Security Authority.

For more information: http://www.nsi.org.uk/default.aspx

 

British Security Industry Association (BSIA)

The BSIA is the leading professional trade association for the private security industry in the UK. Members must meet strict quality management criteria, including the attainment of ISO9000.

In 2006, the BSIA launched a new corporate identity, using the strap-line ‘Putting security at the top of the agenda’. Its mission includes the creation of a business environment in which the skills and expertise of its members are recognised. It encourages best practice and aims to see the contributions of its members valued by commerce, industry and the community.

The activities of the BSIA are wide ranging and include work on standards and codes of practice, representing the industry to government, helping to promote exports via its Export Council, and promoting and encouraging training. The BSIA publishes a newsletter for its members and a directory of members. It makes available statistics on aggregate turnover and employment by its members and estimates for the sizes of different industry sectors.

The BSIA is active in promoting standards in the manned security market and in contributing its expertise on the matter of regulation.

For more information: http://www.bsia.co.uk/LY8LXF71199

 

Safe Contractor

Safecontractor is an accreditation scheme that assesses the health & safety competency of contractors and service providers. Clients have a legal obligation to ensure that external contractors and service providers working on their premises operate in a safe way.

For more information: http://www.safecontractor.com/