Security
Maximising quality, minimising risk PDF Print E-mail
Written by Andy Drane, 2007   

Facilities managers can benefit from a voluntary accreditation scheme that helps make sure they have high-quality private security provision. Andy Drane explains how. 

What assurances does the accreditation provide to facilities managers procuring security?

How do security providers qualify for the accreditation?

Safeguarding people and premises should be top of the agenda, but sadly the procurement of private security services is too frequently treated as an incidental commodity purchase, based on price rather than quality.

Today, security should be viewed as a business-critical service that is valued as highly as communications services and data security. Facilities managers should seek to forge a more responsible and professional relationship with their security supplier. It is now of paramount importance that security requirements and contingency plans are agreed and negotiated in a co-operative rather than competitive relationship.

A brave new world


In order to raise standards and levels of professionalism within the private security industry, the Security Industry Authority (SIA) introduced mandatory licensing for all contracted security guarding personnel in March 2006. This will ensure that those working within the industry are fit and proper persons who have received adequate vocational training for the role they perform.

As of February 2007, more than 190,932 security licences have been issued and over 307,139 nationally recognised security qualifications are held. Some 6,344 licence applications have been refused, preventing a significant number of untrained or unsuitable individuals from working within a private security role.

In the drive for consistently higher standards in the provision of security services, the SIA has also introduced the Approved Contractor Scheme (ACS). While licensing is required by law, the ACS is a voluntary accreditation scheme that has become a hallmark of quality for security providers who are able to demonstrate high standards and industry best practice.

Stand out from the crowd


The ACS accreditation mark will enable procurers of private security services to distinguish between potential suppliers quickly, accurately and objectively. It will provide assurance that the accredited provider is demonstrably committed to customer service and the compulsory licensing of their staff, having met a clearly defined and independently assessed set of quality standards throughout their business. As a result, organisations can be confident that the quality of services they receive and the capabilities of the people deployed under contract meet the highest industry standards.

The ACS standard encompasses all aspects of business operations. It takes a holistic view of how well an organisation is managed, how effectively it services its customers and how well it treats its employees. To achieve Approved Contractor status, companies supplying private security services must demonstrate to an independent assessor that they have met a series of requirements covering a range of business and management indicators.

With quality comes assurance


By choosing an ACS accredited supplier, you can be confident that they are meeting their security obligations. Approved Contractors have been assessed in respect of quality and best practice for areas including recruitment, training and compliance to employment legislation.

You can also expect Approved Contractors to have effective customer-focused procedures to overcome any issues that arise in service delivery. The ACS standard encourages service customisation, rather than 'off the shelf' packages, helping to ensure that the services delivered more closely reflect precise requirements.

The voluntary nature of the scheme will also mean that Approved Contractors will be highly responsive to change and swift to adopt new methods and best practices. Furthermore, Approved Contractor status is acknowledged by the police and offers the potential for enhanced working relationships. The aim is to provide practical benefits through 'joined-up' police, business and community initiatives.

The private security industry is stepping up to the challenge by raising standards of service provision, but now it's time for corporate Britain to play its part. Senior managers must give security the attention and investment it demands. ACS will play an important role in ensuring that your employers and staff are appropriately protected by a quality private security partner.


About the author

Andy Drane is Acting Chief Executive of the Security Industry Authority (SIA). Please visit www.the-sia.org.uk/home

 
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