By London Security College
How To Become an SIA-Approved Contractor?
How To Become an SIA-Approved Contractor?
SIA ( Security industry Authority) is the regulatory body of the private security sector in the UK. It works in a way that empowers the importance of security and safety by setting standards for individuals who aim to be part of the security industry of the UK, ensuring the delivery of high-quality security services all across the country. The standards of SIA also ensure that people working in the security sector are all selected and hired on merit and eradicate any unfair choices.
The SIA requires individuals to attain a SIA legal licence to work as a security officer in the UK. It offers a variety of courses and different programs. One has to enroll in his desired course and get the certification, and only then can he/she apply for the SIA licence. The courses include a door supervisor course to get a door supervisor working licence, a security guard course to get a security guard working licence, and a CCTV operator course to get a CCTV operator working licence. The SIA offers many more detailed courses.
Who is an SIA approved Contractor?
An SIA approved contractor is a company in the UK that’s been given the thumbs-up by the Security Industry Authority. It means they’ve met the SIA’s standards in managing, operating, and performing within the security industry. To find out which companies are approved, you can check the SIA website or get in touch with them directly. They’ll have the most current list because it can change as companies either gain or lose approval.
What is the SIA approved Contractor Scheme?
The SIA approved contractor scheme mentions that security agencies working in the UK have to follow a certain set of regulations in the method of their operation, management and delivery of work. It demonstrates the criteria of maintaining quality of security services provision in the private security sector of the UK. The SIA approved contractor scheme also known as ACS helps security firms work in their best capacity as it encourages competition among security companies ensuring smooth flow of security services.
What is the Method to Become an Approved SIA Contractor?
In order to become an SIA approved contractor, certain requirements are to be met and after following a set of steps a security firm can become an SIA approved contractor. They are as follows:
- Meet the eligibility criteria- A firm has to be eligible to proceed with becoming an SIA approved contractor. The eligibility criteria says that a company should be legally registered and it should have a proper track record of providing professional security services in the UK. The SIA mentions all the conditions of becoming an SIA approved contractor and if a firm matches all the conditions it can become an SIA approved contractor.
- Meet the Requirements– Once your firm is eligible, you have to apply for the SIA approved contractor scheme (ACS). for applying, SIA requires your company to submit some documents which include your company’s financial information, Insurance policies, customer track record documents, company’s details and history and the company’s structure of hierarchy.
After meeting all the requirements, you can submit your application to SIA. SIA will conduct a thorough examination of everything provided by your company. After reviewing the application, SIA will give your firm the authority to work as an SIA approved contractor if the assessment of your application is successful. The contract is of 3 years after which the process is to be followed again for renewal.
Why Should you Become an SIA Approved Contractor?
A security firm working in the UK should always try to become and stay an SIA-approved contractor as this brings many advantages. SIA is the regulatory body of private security in the UK, and therefore, being an SIA-approved contractor makes a security company more relevant specifically for working in the UK. It helps you improve the quality of your security services as once you are an SIA-approved contractor, you will strive hard to follow and practise the regulations set by SIA, which improve performance, efficiency as well as revenue.
Moreover, the title of being an SIA-approved contractor will increase your customer base. Earning opportunities will increase as the company will provide SIA training courses to individuals willing to be trained as SIA-approved security officers. Thus, the company will have the opportunity to grow professionally and serve in many more ventures.
Conclusion
So, if you run a security company in the UK, becoming an SIA-approved contractor is an essential part of your business, which helps you expand your operations greatly. Becoming an SIA-approved contractor is not a very difficult and lengthy task if a company meets all the requirements set by the SIA.
It can be challenging for small-scale businesses and new entrepreneurs to set up their firm as an SIA-approved contractor in the UK due to a lack of experience in providing security services. Still, with all the legal requirements being met, a chance can always be taken. Thus, if the SIA permits a firm to work as an SIA-approved contractor, maintaining the quality and commitment to hold this position is very important.
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