The SSAIB is looking to undertake security system inspections for the all-new SIA
The Security Systems & Alarms Inspection Board (SSAIB) – the new security systems inspectorate formed out of the merger of the SSAIB, the AISC and Integrity 2000 – is angling to carry out inspections for the soon-to-be-formed Security Industry Authority (SIA).

Speaking at the SSAIB's official launch at IFSEC 2001, chief executive Geoff Tate confirmed that its own inspection scheme would be underpinned by accreditation of the SSAIB as a product certification body by the United Kingdom Accreditation Service (UKAS).

"We could inspect companies' security systems under the proposed Inspected Companies Scheme, or indeed the installers themselves if they are eventually subject to licensing under the Private Security Industry Act," said Tate. "I'm sure that any security systems inspection scheme run as part of the Act's remit could be integrated with our own scheme."

Explaining his vision of the future, Tate went on to confirm that the SSAIB would also continue with its focus on establishing the competence of its recognised firms, and the compliance – with published standards – of systems those firms install. "We will carry on operating our inspection regime in a positive manner," added Tate, "while developing partnerships with the insurance industry and the police. We want to be linked to the commercial success of companies, and help in reducing the rate of false alarms."

With this in mind, the new inspectorate will be adopting the management procedures of the AISC, including BSI ISO 9002 certification for quality management procedures and the Investors in People certification.

Also speaking at the launch was Bruce George MP, a long-time campaigner for regulation in the security sector. George criticised the length of time it has taken to implement the Security Industry Act. "Legislation should have been passed 20 years ago," he said.

"To regulate the private sector solely by looking at manned guarding is only half the story," added George. "The security industry needs more than a light touch. There are vast numbers of charlatans and crooks out there."

Source

SMT

Postscript

National Security Inspectorate (NSI) chief executive David Holt has stated that the NSI is indeed likely to merge with the SSAIB "within the next two years." Following recent talks with the the SSAIB's Geoff Tate, Holt feels that a single inspectorate would lead to a "greater consistency of standards" across the industry.