Everything you need to know about getting ACS Approval from the SIA

If you have anything at all to do with the UK security industry you would have heard of the Security Industry Authority’s Approved Contractor Scheme and witnessed the legions of companies proudly displaying the logo on their websites, vans, and marketing material.

But what is it?

How does my company get it?

What are the benefits of having it?

Background.

First things first. The Private Security Industry Act (2001) governs the way the industry operates and provides the necessary legislative framework. A very big part of the Act was the creation of an industry regulatory body given the power and resources to enforce these new laws and rules. Thus the Security Industry Authority (SIA) was born.

Sadly, the new Act did not require the mandatory licensing of all companies that provided contract security services, which would have helped eliminate the cowboys and rogue traders from the industry, but I digress. More about that another time. Maybe.

What the SIA did do however was to create a system called the Approved Contractor Scheme which, after payment of fees and participation in an independent assessment, was intended to identify the very best companies to potential clients.

Myth & the Reality.

Most consumers of contract security services now require that the companies they engage have ACS accreditation. As a result, most security companies in the UK have had to achieve approved contractor status.

To put it bluntly, with so many potential clients now viewing ACS approval as a minimum requirement rather than the intended gold standard, sooner or later, your security company will almost certainly want to attain it, to acquire new business.

Many of the better ACS companies, frustrated with this state of affairs, have subscribed to a private service called “ACS Pacesetters” which only accepts applications from the top 15% highest ACS assessment scoring organisations, and as such, gives a better indication of their level of compliance with the ACS scoring matrix. (It doesn’t guarantee the quality of staff, level of support or service provided however. Sorry.)

Luckily ACS approval is not difficult to achieve.

Can my company apply for ACS approval?

Not all security companies can apply for ACS approval however. Your company must have been operating for a minimum of a year and must have had at least two licensed security officers deployed for a minimum of 12 months.

The SIA will also perform vetting which looks at areas such as:

• who controls your business and the licensable individuals you supply.
• any criminal convictions or charges relating to your business or its controlling minds
• the financial circumstances of your business and its controlling minds
• the integrity of your business and its controlling minds
• your directors must hold a valid SIA licence. This includes executive and non-executive directors, shadow directors, parent company directors and corporate entities holding a directorship.

If your company provides any of these security services, it can apply for ACS approval:

• Cash and valuables in transit
• Close protection
• Door Supervision
• Public space surveillance (CCTV)
• Security Guarding
• Key Holding
• Vehicle immobilisation

It is worth noting that approval is for a specific activity, not the entire company if several services are provided.

There are 2 ways to apply. A standard route, and via a passport system. Many companies appoint specialist consultants to assist with the process and assessment preparation, but there is more free information here: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/apply-for-acs-approval

Be warned: It is a criminal offence to state that your company is ACS approved when it is not, and the SIA are not slow in prosecuting offenders.

Costs.

There is an initial application fee to pay, which is non-refundable. This varies depending on the size of your company but as of February 2023 is:

• Up to 10 licensable staff: £400
• 11 to 25 licensable staff: £800
• 26 to 250 licensable staff: £1,600
• Over 250 licensable staff: £2,400

You will also have to pay the assessing body for the assessment itself.

After that there is an annual registration fee which equates to £15 per licenced officer deployed.

Benefits.

There are several benefits to achieving ACS approval including.

• Your company can use the ACS logo on stationary, vehicles and advertising.
• Your company will be listed in the ACS approved contractor list on their Gov.uk website. https://www.services.sia.homeoffice.gov.uk/Pages/acs-roac.aspx
• You can issue a LDN (license dispensation notice) to officers that have applied for licence renewal through your company, allowing them to continue working whilst their application is being processed.
• You can apply for contracts that require providers to have the ACS approval.
• Licence Assist & Licence Management systems, to help with your staff SIA licencing.
• Invitations to attend and participate in regular SIA forums.
• An ACS approved contractor plaque and certificate, to display in your offices.

Is ACS Approval, right for my company?

I have tried hard to keep my level of cynicism to a minimum in this blog, but it has been tough to be completely honest.

Like so many things arising from the Private Security Industry Act, it was a good idea, with noble intentions, that missed the mark and never achieved what was intended or hoped.

Many company owners are angry that the amount they pay for ACS approval is far greater than any perceived benefit.

Most are frustrated that, rather than indicating that an approved company is one of the best operating in the UK, hence driving quality business their way as a result, it is now widely just viewed as just a minimum requirement by customers.

Is it right for your company? Well, if you have a core of existing clients that you provide a good service for, and you have no interest in expansion, or your word-of-mouth reputation successfully drives new business your way, maybe not. Otherwise, you will be at a huge disadvantage when looking for new customers or tendering for new contracts.