As advertised in the April edition of Professional Security, the Security Industry Authority is now seeking UKAS accredited certification bodies to apply for registration to carry out assessments for accreditation to the SIA’s Approved Contractor Scheme (ACS).
IAF MLA signatory accredited certification body members will also be considered if the company is registered overseas but operates within the UK.
Any private security company is eligible to apply to become an Approved Contractor and it is expected that at least 200-500 companies will actually do so. Acceptance into the ACS will be validated by independent assessment performed by selected certification bodies. Firms will require annual inspections to maintain their SIA Approved Contractor status.
The SIA Approved Contractor Scheme is based upon three currently recognised business improvement models:ISO9000:2000; the European Foundation for Quality Management (EFQM) Excellence Model and Baldrige.
A copy of the ACS Standard with supporting documentation will be sent to suitable respondents who express an interest in this opportunity. The closing date for an expression of interest is noon on April 29.
The closing date for applicant responses and for commencement of the training programme will be provided upon receipt of expression of interest.
The assessment service is scheduled to commence in October 2005.
Organisations wishing to express an interest are invited to do so in writing to the following address. Please quote your UKAS/IAF MLA signatory accreditation number in your response:
ACS Assessment Team
Security Industry Authority,
50 Broadway,
London,
SW1H 0SA
Email [email protected]
