The National Security Inspectorate (NSI) is inviting comment on its new draft Code of Practice, NCP 119, for the provision of labour in the security and events sector. The inspectorate reports that the draft Code has been developed in response to recent feedback and evidence of poor practices potentially compromising industry credibility.
Its introduction would require companies procuring more labour to require their providers to adopt and obtain NSI approval to this Code of Practice. The objective of such a policy being; to ensure all partners within the supply chain are operating as responsible employers as with regard to payroll, training and right to work.
The NSI says that the intent of the new Code is to raise standards of service provision and social responsibility in the use of labour resources by addressing the resilience of the supply chain in delivering bona fide labour at the point of service delivery. Adherence would ensure integrity is maintained in meeting statutory and regulatory requirements, in turn minimising risk to the safety and security of the public, the integrity of the supply chain, and worker exploitation.
Richard Jenkins, NSI Chief Executive, pictured, said: “We welcome comment on this draft Code of Practice to which approval would give buyers clear assurance security personnel deployed on their sites have been sourced from the contractor’s own staff and from approved labour providers who hold themselves up to the independent scrutiny of NSI approval, demonstrate their commitment to the reduction of security risks of ‘rogue labour’ and ensure the adoption of best practice across a range of criteria such as right to work, employment status, training and minimum pay.”
It is envisaged the Code could be issued in 2020 with a grace period of 12 months for NSI Guarding Gold and Silver Approved Companies to specify this Code in their procurement processes, and for labour providers to obtain their certificate of approval.
NSI Guarding Gold and Silver approved companies wishing to review the draft and submit comment prior to the consultation end date of Thursday, October 31, should email Margaret Durr, Head of Field Operations (Services) at: [email protected]. NSI will review responses, consider next steps and keep respondents informed.
