The Approved Contractor Scheme (ACS) is an initiative introduced by the SIA as a quality standard that provides a recognised hallmark of quality within the private security industry. The main objective of the Approved Contractor Scheme (ACS) is to raise performance standards in the Security sector by creating a framework for regulated businesses to develop and promote best practices.
SIA ACS is not a compliance standard, it is non-prescriptive and can be applied by any organisation regardless of its size.
Benefits of becoming an ACS contractor
At present, there are 837 private companies that hold approval. Achieving the SIA ACS status is an effective way for security firms to demonstrate that they offer quality services that can be trusted by operating ethically, legally, and employing licensed professionals who have been security screened, like from the Get Licensed job board for example.
Learn 5 benefits that a security company can achieve by becoming an ACS company:
1. Quality assured by the SIA
Security companies with an Approved Contractor Scheme (ACS) status are subjected to regular quality assurance checks. This ensures clients that contractors have passed certain quality checks necessary to operate in the security ecosystem.
2. Quality assurance from top to bottom
Sub-contracting is a common practice in the private security industry. Approved contractors may only sub-contract to other approved contractors unless the SIA has given them special permission to do otherwise. As a result, customers can be confident that the quality of service they expect will be maintained.
3. Continuity of service
Security companies that do not hold the ACS status are only able to deploy staff that physically hold a valid SIA licence; otherwise, it is a criminal offence to provide security services. However, Approved Contractors can take special dispensation to deploy staff who have completed their training and are waiting for their SIA licence application to be processed. Therefore, Approved Contractors will be able to offer greater flexibility and operational effectiveness when supplying security services.
4. Clear Customer Focus
The ACS standard is dedicated towards service customisation, rather than “off-the-shelf” packages. Customers can expect effective customer-focused procedures in case any issues arise in service delivery.
5. Alliance with Police
The status of the ACS is recognised by the police and offers the potential for enhanced working relationships. This can help security firms to provide practical benefits by developing alliances with the police for business and community initiatives.
The SIA ACS standard is also beneficial because it not only allows the SIA to fulfil its main objective of providing protection to the general public, but it also provides confidence to all stakeholders, such as customers, the police force, and end-users, that they are dealing with a highly professional security firm.
6. Industry Recognition
Working for an industry-leading company can be a proud moment for any employee, and it’s no different within security. Security companies that are part of the ACS are recognised by the industry body, i.e. SIA, therefore best practices are implemented at all times to ensure they lead by example. If you are a security professional working for an ACS company, you will be looked after as an employee and rewarded fairly.
As a security company, the status of an Approved contractor can offer increased credibility and flexibility. So, if you’re interested in joining the Approved Contractor Scheme, click here to apply.
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