A scheme administered by the Security Industry Authority (SIA) has passed its fifth year of operation. Under its Approved Contractor Scheme (ACS), the organisation is now receiving around 15 requests for new approvals each month.The assessment measures private security suppliers against independently determined criteria and it forms one of the authority’s two main functions.
The other is the licensing of individuals who undertake certain activities within the private security industry. It is because of the existence of the organisation that SIA training to get an SIA license is so important for those who wish to operate in the sector.Figures released by the organisation show that over the last year, 137 approval decisions have been made under the ACS.
Assistant director of the scheme Andrew Shephard said: “During the past five years the scheme has enjoyed a steady rise in applicant numbers. The current figures show that companies continue to see the scheme as a valuable asset both in their operational and marketing activities.
“Looking forward, we anticipate the scheme will continue operating as it does today for around another two years.”
He added that following this, it is expected to evolve and continue as an approval scheme for the sector.According to the SIA, the more firms that meet the ACS requirements, the more standards are raised within the private security industry. As of this month, more than 700 suppliers held ACS status.
The authority is plays a crucial role in the way in which security services are provided. This is shown by the number of people who take part in SIA training to get an SIA license. Its licensing ensures that the people performing roles as private security operatives are properly trained and qualified and are considered to be fit and proper to fulfil this particular function.