In essence, the decision to make the scheme a voluntary one allows the SIA to guide and facilitate. Choosing to go down the mandatory route in the first instance would inevitably lead to the dictating of commercial practises. It's safe to say that not many guarding sector managing directors would have been too pleased about that. Additionally, those companies operating in more than one sector – of which there are many these days – will not be disadvantaged.
Indeed, the higher echelons at 50 Broadway have been quick to stress that the SIA's strategic direction involves working with the security sector to bring about its transformation, thereby creating an industry that's healthier, more successful, respected and professional.
The voluntary approach is fine in the short term, but further down the line surely the Approved Contractor Scheme ought to be compulsory? If security officers without a licence aren't allowed to operate in the private sector, then those companies whose business etiquette hasn't been opened to scrutiny should also be positively marginalised.
Obviously, the better contractors will be keen to sign on the dotted line right from the word 'Go'. And so they should. Membership of the Approved Contractor Scheme will bring a host of benefits, not least access to new markets – work within the wider police family springs to mind here – and support funding for education and training, as well as a far greater ability to influence buyer behaviour.
The start date for the scheme of next July has caused concern. True, the Approved Contractor Scheme will not be available from the commencement date for the receipt of licence applications, but it is slated to be in place well ahead of the final date when licences become mandatory.
For now, it's best that guarding companies be patient and await the SIA consultation document before reaching any firm conclusions about likely effects on their planning.
Source
SMT
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