What is SIA ACS Certification?
The SIA (Security Industry Authority) is a governmental organization responsible for regulating the security industry. It administers the ACS (Approved Contractor Scheme), a recognized UK hallmark indicating that a company operates ethically and adheres to industry codes of practice.
In alignment with the Private Security Industry Act 2001, this scheme was developed by security industry members to enable organizations to showcase their competence, training, and dedication to continuously improving their operations.
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Comprehensive Process
We assist in creating procedures, policies, and associated documentation as needed.
SIA ACS Requirements
Acquiring ACS Certification sets a company apart from competitors and assures stakeholders that the provided service meets high standards.
While participation in the ACS scheme is voluntary, obtaining SIA ACS approval is increasingly essential for commercial viability across all sectors of the security industry. Hence, it is advantageous for organizations to pursue SIA ACS certification promptly.
According to the SIA, to grant “Approved Contractor status” to a company, they must ensure that “…the company seeking approval must be a fit and proper organization, and the company directors must be fit and proper persons,” and “supplying a security service for over 12 months with a contract and a minimum of 2 staff on PAYE.”
Before initiating the ACS process, all company directors must obtain an SIA license, as mandated by law.
Furthermore, all personnel performing security functions must hold a valid license covering their duties. While some licenses may encompass multiple duties, such as a door supervision license allowing staff to conduct security guarding duties, all licenses must be regularly verified, and detailed records maintained.
The Process
SIA ACS aims to enhance performance standards through a stringent approval process. Both the company and its management undergo assessment to determine their suitability and qualifications for their roles.
The initial step involves completing an application form and submitting it along with necessary documentation to the SIA for due diligence checks (e.g., insurance certificates, company registration documents, license numbers). Additionally, a self-assessment workbook must demonstrate the company’s compliance with all scheme elements.
Once submitted, the company ensures implementation of all points and maintains records to indicate compliance. Given the similarity between ISO 9001 and SIA-ACS requirements, simultaneous attainment of ISO 9001 alongside SIA approval may be feasible.
Upon completion of preparations, an SIA-approved independent assessment body conducts an on-site visit to assess the company’s adherence to SIA-ACS requirements. During this visit, they may engage with staff and customers to validate the organization’s responsibility and credibility.
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What Are the Benefits of SIA ACS Approval?
Gaining SIA ACS certification demands investment and dedication, but the ensuing rewards for the organization, its personnel, and customers justify the effort.
Some benefits of SIA ACS approval include:
- Demonstrated Commitment: It showcases a commitment to quality, management, and customer service.
- Staff Competence: It validates that staff and security personnel are suitably fit and trained for their roles.
- Confidence: It instills confidence in the quality of service provided.
- Independently Assessed Service: It certifies that services have been independently evaluated against recognized standards.
- Access to SIA Register: It grants entry to the SIA Register of Approved Contractors, emphasizing the organization’s status as a leading provider of private security services in the UK.
- Visible Recognition: Accredited businesses can display the approved contractor plaque and/or certificate at their premises and include the standard on their website, social media, and vehicles.
- Competitive Edge: It provides a competitive advantage in the market.
- Return On Investment
Despite the substantial investment of time and resources in the approval process, security providers can anticipate numerous benefits. ACS-accredited security companies typically renew their yearly registration, reporting increased contract acquisition and improved business operations efficiency.
- Continual Improvement
The Approved Contractor Scheme facilitates performance monitoring and measurement for security companies, fostering essential success factors in the industry. ACS-accredited firms can identify areas for improvement, gather client feedback, and measure performance against key indicators. They continuously enhance business weaknesses, learn from mistakes, and enhance overall operational effectiveness and efficiency.
- Increased Business Opportunities
Ultimately, business growth is a primary objective across industries. SIA certification distinguishes organizations from competitors and facilitates new business acquisition.
Upon accreditation, SIA ACS certification grants entry to the Register of SIA approved contractors, distributed widely to government departments and local authorities. This serves as an additional marketing tool, expanding business outreach to previously inaccessible organizations.
The Need for SIA ACS
Organizations in the security industry may overlook what some perceive as ‘additional certification,’ assuming that meeting minimum legal obligations suffices, given the compulsory licensing requirements.
The Private Security Act of 2001, Sections 3 and Schedule 2, specify the types of firms required to apply for licensing, including:
1. Security Guarding
2. Door Supervision
3. Public Space Surveillance
4. Key Holding
5. Close Protection
6. Cash and Valuables in Transit
Operating without a license is a criminal offense, punishable by a £5,000 fine and up to six months in prison. Those uncertain about their obligations should seek further advice.
Reasons to Consider the SIA ACS certification
SIA ACS assists organizations in operating successfully in the competitive security industry in several ways:
1. High Standards: While compulsory licensing ensures a certain level of staff competence, it does not necessarily exceed competitors’ standards. The ACS scheme ensures hiring of the best personnel and thorough training to meet required standards, reducing the risk of incidents.
2. Competitive Advantage: Clients increasingly seek ACS-certified providers, considering it a marker of quality. Experience with security companies highlights the benefits and differences in services between approved and non-approved contractors.
3. Rapidly Evolving Requirement: Although voluntary, SIA ACS is becoming a prerequisite for competing and securing top security contracts.
SIA ACS Consultancy Services
At Kloud Circle, we assist clients in implementing processes and documenting steps to obtain certification. Our team of SIA ACS consultants offers unique expertise, knowledge, and experience to guide clients toward full SIA ACS certification.
We facilitate assessments, providing on-site support and guidance throughout the process until approval. Additionally, we conduct regular checks to ensure maintenance of processes and retention of SIA ACS approval.
For more information on our SIA ACS certification services, please contact us.
What is the SIA ACS certification?
The Approved Contractor Scheme (ACS) is a voluntary initiative established by the Security Industry Authority (SIA) to enhance performance standards in the security sector.
SIA ACS serves as the quality benchmark in security, outlining criteria for organizations to adhere to for certification approval. It is applicable to organizations of any size or scope, aiding regulated businesses in establishing robust frameworks to develop and promote best practices.
Displaying the SIA ACS accreditation mark signals to customers the capability of your business in effectively safeguarding property, individuals, and premises.
What are the benefits of the SIA ACS certification?
Numerous benefits accompany SIA ACS certification, motivating companies to invest in the certification process. Some of the key advantages include:
1. Inclusion in the Register of Approved Contractors, published on the SIA website.
2. Enhanced marketing opportunities, providing a competitive edge.
3. Authorization to use the ACS Accreditation Mark on stationery, livery, social media, and websites.
4. Access to tendering opportunities requiring ACS as a prerequisite.
5. Increased trust and confidence from customers in the quality of services provided.
6. Demonstration of commitment to maintaining high service standards.
7. Greater flexibility and operational effectiveness in delivering security services.
Eligibility for SIA ACS
To qualify for the Security Industry Authority’s ACS, the following criteria must apply to your business:
1. Provision of security services within the United Kingdom.
2. Holding at least one current contract for the supply of security industry services.
3. Supply contracted security services; in-house security providers are ineligible.
4. Completion of a minimum of 12 months supplying security services at the time of application.
5. Provision of a minimum of 2 licensed and contracted operatives in each applied sector for security industry services.
6. Supply of licensable individuals under a contract for security industry services; labor providers are ineligible.
Failure to meet these criteria may result in rejection of your Security Industry Authority’s Approved Contractor Scheme application. To streamline the accreditation process and ensure a straightforward path to successful accreditation, engaging professional SIA ACS consultancy services is recommended.