Accreditations
Approved Contractor Scheme
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".
ACS status…
BERNIC achieve top government security award
Under the government regulator the SIA, Bernic have joined the security elite.
Customer Benefits
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You're dealing with one of the UK’s top 50 security companies.
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A proven track record in service delivery; recognised as achieving the highest industry standard of best practice in UK security market.
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Bernic have demonstrated to the SIA; leadership, innovation and performance standards in pursuit of customer excellences.
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Customer continuity; uninterrupted supply of frontline personnel, the ability to employ and deploy personnel, without licences.
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Legally & ethically sound; protecting your corporate image.
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Peace of mind your assets are properly insured, according to ABI.
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Recognised by the police as being part of a wider police family
Regulation raises standards and opportunities
On 20th March, 2006, it will become a legal requirement to hold an SIA licence in order to work as a security operative for Guarding, Cash and Valuables in Transit, Public Space Surveillance CCTV, Close Protection and Key Holding. It is already a requirement to hold an SIA licence for Door Supervision and Vehicle Immobilisers.
Licensing will help ensure that those working within the industry are fit and proper persons. To qualify for a licence, front line security operatives will need to meet tough criteria. They will need to pass identity and criminality checks, and show evidence that their skills and knowledge meets nationally recognised, and independently assessed, vocational qualification levels.
Buyers of private security services have reacted positively to the introduction of licensing. In consultation they have made their needs crystal clear. They want higher standards of quality and service. They want access to security personnel that are more thoroughly trained. And they want to work with suppliers that have consistent contract standards with performance management and quality systems in place. Most accept that this will come at a price, but regard value for money to be more important than cost.
Higher quality has to mean higher costs
From obligation to opportunity
Whilst licensing is demanded by law, seeking accreditation to the Approved Contractor Scheme is a voluntary decision. It’s also likely to be a commercial decision because, without doubt, the Approved Contractor accreditation mark will be widely regarded as a hallmark of quality.
Standards and criteria for security suppliers to achieve ACS recognition will focus on a combination of internal management processes and key aspects of service delivery. Approved Contractors will undergo annual reassessment by an independent assessor to ensure that they have maintained the required standards.
For buyers, the ACS should help to simplify the procurement process by providing a benchmark for the quality of business management and service delivery they can expect from an SIA Approved Contractor. Over 1,900 organisations have already registered their interest in the scheme and we shall begin processing applications before the end of the year.
