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What is the SIA Approved Contractor Scheme?

SIA-ACS is the recognized performance standard for the security industry.

It applies to the processes that manage and control an organization’s services. It prescribes systematic control of activities to ensure that the needs and expectations of customers are met. It is designed and intended to apply specifically to a wide range of services offered by the security industry:

§  Security Guarding

§  Door Supervisors

§  CCTV Operation

§  Close Protection

§  Key Holding

§  Cash/Valuables in Transit (CVIT)

§  Vehicle Immobilization

To obtain a personalized quotation and the start the process to gain SIA-ACS verification.

Why seek verification to the scheme?

§  SIA Approved Contractors have special dispensation to deploy security staff while their license applications are being processed.

§  Verification of SIA-ACS by an approved certification body shows commitment to quality, customers, and a willingness to work towards improving efficiency.

§  It demonstrates the existence of an effective quality management system that satisfies the rigors of an independent, external audit.

§  An SIA-ACS certificate enhances company image in the eyes of customers, employees and shareholders alike.

§  It also gives a competitive edge to an organization’s marketing. SIA Approved Contractors can display the ACS plaque and certificate and add the mark to company stationery and promotional material.

§  Send your application to the SIA together with relevant payment and submit your Online Achievement Record (OLAR).

§  Select the SIA-approved body you wish to undertake the verification of your self-assessment (hopefully you will select CQC!).

§  After a successful verification visit, and following final approval by the SIA, your application will be considered and approved by the SIA so long as you meet the necessary decision criteria (ACS status will be confirmed).

§  Annual re-verification is required (to ensure that the company continues to meet the requirements of the ACS) and full verification every 3 years.

Please note that ACS status cannot be conferred without prior verification by a third party accredited verification body approved by the SIA.

Why choose CQC for your verification?

CQC is proud to be one of the first and now leading companies approved by the SIA to undertake ACS verification visits.

CQC has an enviable record for customer satisfaction for its certification services. A friendly approach and a dislike of bureaucracy have led to unprecedented growth through referrals from contented clients. CQC only employs auditors that have empathy with this approach. They are also carefully allocated by their experience in the industry they are auditing. This results in a practical, meaningful audit, carried out in an air of mutual understanding. CQC firmly believes that its audits should benefit the organization that requests it, not be an intellectual exercise to ‘please’ the auditor.

What is the cost of verification to SIA-ACS?

For over a decade, CQC’s day rate has been consistently lower than the industry’s norm.

For a fixed, written quotation however, we require a few details

Our five year strategic plan, launched in 2009, aims to drive the company’s revenues to CHF 7 billion by 2014.

Developed in close cooperation and with the full support of the Board of Directors, the 2014 Plan defines the strategic lines that we will pursue to strengthen our already dominant position in the testing, inspection and certification marketplace. The plan demonstrates how we will deliver strong organic growth while using acquisitions to expand certain areas of our service offering and geographic coverage.

Guiding you through the proposed regulation

As experts in the security industry we know that you are likely to have questions about Business Licensing. We also appreciate that whenever new standards, requirements or regulations are introduced there are the inevitable issues of cost and resource.

At CQC we like to think we make things simple for you. Our team of experts is closely monitoring the regulatory landscape and is working in partnership with private security companies across the UK to help the industry meet its obligations as quickly and cost effectively as possible.

Don’t leave it too late!

Whilst we await ratification from the Home Office regarding this new regulation, CQC is advising the security sector to take action now to ensure guaranteed delivery of appropriate audit days and confidently meet the application deadlines next year.

Whilst there are different routes to gaining a business license, demonstrating business competence through assessment and certification doesn’t happen overnight – many organizations will need to revisit and review their processes and implement new measures prior to an assessment or certification visit.