Benefit of Using Security Companies on the Approved Contractors Scheme (ACS)
A. Continuity of Service (Absence of Labour shortage)
Suppliers of security services who are not Approved Contractors are only able to deploy staff that physically hold a valid SIA licence; to do otherwise is a criminal offence. Approved Contractors could be given special dispensation to deploy staff who have completed their training and are waiting for their SIA licence application to be processed. Approved Contractors will therefore be able to offer greater flexibility and operational effectiveness when supplying security services.
B. Business Continuity
Approved Contractor Scheme (ACS) certification includes the verification of business plan and business continuity plan. ACS Approved Security Companies are more likely to continue and remain in business than companies without ACS approval.
C. Best Practice and Continuity of Quality
Clients can be confident that the employment practices and the capability of the supplier to continue to its level of quality have been extensively assessed during ACS verification and certification in respect of quality and best practice. But with an un-approved Security Contractor, there is always that element of risk because of the lack of adequate monitoring by external auditors from agencies like the British Standard Institute.
D. Extended Police Family
The main purpose of the Government establishing the Private Security Industry Act 2001 is to organise and regulate the Private Security Industry in such a way that Security Guards can act as an extension of the British Police in a combined effort towards the reduction of crime. The status of the ACS is recognised by the police and offers the potential for an enhanced working relationship. The aim is to provide practical benefits through ‘joined-up’ policing, which is often enhanced by business and community initiatives.
E. Leadership and Innovation
Because the ACS certification is a progressive and voluntary quality initiative, clients can expect accredited providers to be highly responsive to change and swift to adopt new methods and best practices in all their operations.
F. Clear Customer Focus and Increased Flexibility
One of the essential standards which make up the ACS is ISO 9001. Because it dwells mainly on the effective provision of goods and services, clients can expect to find effective customer-focused procedures in place to overcome any issues that arise in the delivery of service when they use a security company which are ACS approved. The ACS Standard encourages service customisation, rather than ‘off-the-shelf’ packages. This will help ensure that services are delivered more closely reflect your precise requirements.
