Security Industry Authority
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The Security Industry Authority was set up in 2003 in response to the Private Security Industry Act 2001. It's mandate is to reform and regulate the UK private security industry and to restore consumer confidence. Far reaching measures have been imposed on supplier contractors, for example all industry employees must hold a valid SIA issued license. The categories of licensing include Door Supervision, Manned Guarding, Public Space Surveillance using CCTV, Close Protection, Key Holding, Cash in Transit and Wheel Clamping. The effects of the SIA's mandate are becoming evident, with 'cowboy' contractors being prosecuted.
The way forward for security companies appears to be via gaining ACS (Approved Contract Status). It is thought that at some point insurance companies will require all companies to only use ACS approved security companies, such as nationally based Kingdom Security Limited.
ACS 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 only covers those parts of the industry that are regulated by the SIA and the Private Security Industry Act.
There is a single scheme, with sector-specific approval based on a relevant set of qualifying criteria. Companies that operate in more than one sector will not be disadvantaged.
More information is available in 'How to Become an SIA Approved Contractor' brochure (download size: 315kb).
