Certification is widely used to demonstrate compliance with set criteria. However, for certification to be credible it must operate under the backing of an officially recognised body with public accountability. Organisations such as the NSI, which is officially accredited by the United Kingdom Accreditation Service (UKAS), measure contractor performance to documented British and European standards and Codes of Practice.
NSI approval is only awarded to companies that are committed to working to and promoting high standards. Currently, over 1000 companies operating out of approximately 1600 locations across the country, consistently meet those standards. Their aim is that all relevant companies will strive for NSI approval in order to raise standards in the security industry.
NSI spokesman Julian Stanton explains: “Our approval schemes are open to all relevant security companies whether they are large or small. However, they have to be committed to delivering high standards of workmanship and service to their customers.
“Achieving approval proves that a company operates to the highest standards, and we are very proud of the extremely low level of complaints received by our approved companies. Furthermore, having NSI approval sets a company apart from poor performers who drag down the standards and reputation of the security industry as a whole.”
The Inspection Visit – Firm But Fair
At the heart of the NSI approval process is the inspection visit, where all NSI approved companies are treated with the same firm but fair approach. Once a company has gained NSI approval, it will normally receive twice-yearly visits including spot checks on customer sites.
Julian Stanton comments: “Inspections are carried out by our experienced and thoroughly trained full time inspectors, who audit NSI approved companies. All inspectors are required to be fully trained auditors (IRCA), and have typically worked for NSI for many years. As a result our inspectors have built up an increasing level of industry and auditing knowledge, which ensures that high standards are consistently maintained.”
He continues: “It’s important to remember that consistent with our aim to improve industry standards, we are here to help companies who wish to take that crucial step towards third party certification – we are not here to trip them up. However, it is definitely NSI’s motivation to separate the strong from the weak in the security industry.”
Why Get NSI Approval?
– Increased Business Opportunities – NSI approval reinforces the reliability and integrity of your company and will greatly increase your chances of gaining new profitable business opportunities
– Customer Credibility – Displaying the NSI medal will endorse your consistently high standards of workmanship and prove to customers that you are a professional company
– Directory Of Approved Companies – Your company will be listed in the NSI on-line directory, which is widely used by insurers, Police Fire and Rescue Services and security users
– Insurers – Insurers often insist that NSI approved companies are contracted to carry out work in many circumstances
– Police – You will be eligible for Police response (URNs) for your monitored systems, as NSI meets the requirements of the Association of Chief Police Officers (ACPO) and ACPOS in Scotland
– Fire – The Fire and Rescue recognise the NSI BAFE SP023 as evidence from employers that systems have been properly designed, installed, commissioned and maintained
– Technical Support – NSI will keep you informed of regulatory changes and available training courses
– Use of the NSI logo – Gain access to our logo library for use on your promotional materials and vehicles
If you would like to learn more about achieving approval through one of NSI’s industry-leading schemes, visit NSI at IFSEC, NEC Birmingham, on the 11-14 May on Stand F5, Hall 3A, where friendly and helpful advisers will be on hand to answer your questions or visit www.nsi.org.uk.