From 1 April, companies seeking ACS registration will have a choice of three routes:
(1) The current, standard ACS route. Using this option, firms complete the Self-Assessment Workbook (SAW) before making an application to the SIA for approval. The Regulator then approves or rejects the application having reviewed the report of a verification inspection body (such as the SSAIB), who evaluate the applicant company against its claims in the SAW.
(2) The second option includes the above, but allows in addition a company to be evaluated for compliance with relevant British Standards for the sector(s) worked in. This is currently available for BS 7499 Static Site Guarding and Mobile Patrol Service, BS 7985 CCTV Management and Operation, BS 7948 Keyholding and BS 7960 Door Supervision.
It’s hoped that the additional British Standards can be included shortly (eg BS 8406 Event Stewarding, BS 8517-1 General Purpose Security Dogs and BS 8517-2 Detection Dogs, BS 8507-1 and -2 Close Protection.
ISO 9001 Quality Management Systems
(3) The third option includes both of the above plus ISO 9001 Quality Management Systems certification. The advantage of this approach is that the SSAIB can conduct all element of the inspection process, resulting in fewer inspections and cost savings.
Once a given company has achieved the SSAIB Passport Certificate Scheme standard, the Board will send out a certificate of confirmation which is forwarded to the SIA (who will verify Approved Contractor Scheme status).
It’s important to note that it’s still the SIA’s final decision whether a firm has met its ‘Fit for Purpose’ checks prior to being granted ACS status.
The primary difference between the SSAIB Passport Certificate Scheme and the usual ACS route is that firms can have their assessment conducted before they have received eligibility from the SIA.
For more information on any of the above routes to ACS approval contact Lynn Watts-Plumpkin at: lynn@ssaib.org