The SSAIB gained UKAS accreditation for its product certification scheme in April (‘News’, SMT, April 2002, p7), which centres on inspecting the work of intruder alarm installers. For its part IPSA has 22 inspectors on the books tasked with checking manned guarding operations, but until now has not enjoyed UKAS approval.
Announcing the move at last month’s IFSEC Exhibition at the Birmingham NEC, SSAIB representatives recognised that they are now in direct competition with the National Security Inspectorate, which offers a broadly similar range of inspection services through NACOSS and the Inspectorate of the Security Industry.
Speaking about the deal, Geoff Tate of the SSAIB commented: “As far as we (the SSAIB) are concerned, this is the next logical step for us to take. We are delighted that a long-established trade body such as IPSA has agreed to work with us on this joint venture.”
