THE SECURITY INDUSTRY AUTHORITY (SIA) is nearing the conclusion of its formal consultation period with private sector practitioners concerning the Approved Contractor Scheme (ACS). The comments made are now apparently undergoing “detailed consideration and review”.

According to the organisation’s latest statement, issued by ACS project manager Ian Maxwell, the ACS criteria are not likely to insist on ISO 9000:2000 accreditation (although it can be used as evidence to meet many of the criteria).

“Similarly, adherence to relevant British Standards can be used as evidence against certain criteria, such as BS 7858 for vetting,” claimed Maxwell. “Firms complying with BS 7858 can be confident that this will meet the minimum standard for ACS membership, subject to further consultations due to take place in the near future.”

Importantly, Maxwell also told SMT: “The SIA would not wish to exclude from the scheme those using other procedures or standards, but the onus will be on those companies concerned to show that they are achieving a standard with an equivalent degree of rigour.” That leaves the door open for alternative vetting solutions such as Securi-Check.

Source

SMT