What is the sia approved contractor scheme?

SIA-ACS is the new, recognised performance standard for the security industry. It applies to the processes that manage and control the services an organisation supplies. 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.

Why seek verification to the scheme?

• SIA Approved Contractors have special dispensation to deploy security staff while their licence 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 rigours 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 organisation's marketing.

How do you implement SIA-ACS? What is involved?

There are currently 2 routes to implementing the SIA Approved Contractor Scheme: Fast Track and Standard Track

To follow the fast track, you must have a current, valid ISO 9001:2000 certification from a UKAS-accredited certification body and also conform to the British Standards Code(s) of Practice (BS7499, BS 7858, BS 7958, BS 7960, BS 7984) relevant to your sector. ISOQAR offers FREE transfer of ISO 9001 registration from other Certification bodies (annual registration fees still apply). Otherwise you must follow the standard track.

For details of the requirements, visit the SIA website here

FAST TRACK - Subject to meeting the Fast Track requirements, ACS status can be conferred via a self-assessment system. Your status must be verified within 12 months.

• Register with the SIA (www.the-sia.org.uk) and download a current Self-Assessment Workbook.
• Work through the workbook to ensure appropriate standards are being maintained.
• For items in the workbook not evidenced by your existing certificate(s) you must keep a record on the ACS Achievement Record available on the SIA Website .
• Request an ACS application pack via the SIA Website.
• Send your application to the SIA together with relevant payment and submit you online Achievement Record.
• Select the SIA-approved body you wish to undertake the verification of your self-assessment within 12 months. (Hopefully you will select ISOQAR!) .
• Following successful verification, you application will be considered and approved by the SIA - so long as you meet the necessary decision criteria.
• Once developed, internal audits are needed to ensure the system carries on working.

STANDARD TRACK - For companies not meeting the Fast Track requirements. ACS status cannot be conferred without prior verification by an SIA-approved body.

• Register with the SIA (www.the-sia.org.uk) and download a current Self-Assessment Workbook.
• Work through the workbook to ensure appropriate standards are being maintained.
• Record scores and evidence on the ACS Achievement Record available on the SIA Website.
• Ensure you are meeting all the required standards.
• Request an ACS application pack via the SIA Website.
• Send your application to the SIA together with relevant payment and submit you online Achievement Record.
• Select the SIA-approved body you wish to undertake the verification of your self-assessment. (Hopefully you will select ISOQAR!) .
• Following successful verification, you application will be considered and approved by the SIA - so long as you meet the necessary decision criteria.
• Once developed, internal audits are needed to ensure the system carries on working.

VERIFICATION OF SIA-ACS

Once all the requirements of SIA-ACS have been met, it is time for an external verification visit. This must be carried out by a third party, accredited verification body approved by the SIA.

For companies on the Fast Track, this verification visit must be undertaken within 12 months of the ACS status being conferred. For companies on the Standard Track, the verification visit must take place before conferring of ACS status can be considered.

After a successful verification, and following final approval by the SIA, the ACS status will be confirmed. There will then be surveillance visits (usually once or twice a year) to ensure that the system continues to work.

Why choose ISOQAR for your verification?

ISOQAR is proud to be one of the first companies approved by the SIA to undertake ACS verification visits.

ISOQAR has an enviable record for customer satisfaction for its certification services. A friendly approach and a dislike of bureaucracy has led to unprecedented growth through referrals from contented clients. ISOQAR 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. ISOQAR firmly believes that its audits should benefit the organisation 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, ISOQAR's day rate has been consistently lower than the industry's norm.

For a fixed, written quotation however, we require a few details. These can be submitted to ISOQAR via a short questionnaire or alternatively contact ISOQAR for more details. Quotations are provided without any obligation.

For the most comprehensive information of the Approved Contractor Scheme, we recommend you visit the SIA website at www.the-sia.org.uk

Alternatively, please feel free to contact ISOQAR at any time.

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