Approved Contractor Scheme Brought Forward to April '07

24 November 2006: The Security Industry Authority (SIA) is to launch the Approved Contractor Scheme (ACS) in Scotland two months early. In response to requests from private security companies operating in Scotland, the SIA has brought forward the launch date from 1 June to 6 April 2007.

Andy Drane, SIA Deputy Chief Executive said:

"This is good news for private security companies operating in Scotland. There is still much to do by everyone to bring private security regulation to into effect, but the early launch of ACS in Scotland demonstrates the SIA's confidence in the progress so far, and it also means the best security companies in Scotland can show their customers real commitment to licensing and regulation."

To apply for ACS status in April - June, security companies need to have at least 40 per cent of their licensable staff already SIA licensed or have their licence applications pending; this percentage will increase progressively after June. This means companies that licence their staff in the initial stages of regulation are in a position to attain SIA Approved Contractor status at an early date.

Notes to Editors:

• The launch date of the Approved Contractor Scheme in Scotland is subject to Ministerial approval.
• Further information on the ACS is available here.
• Scottish training and qualifications in support of SIA licences were launched in Scotland on 27 September 2006.
• In March 2003 the Scottish Executive approved proposals to regulate the Scottish private security industry and to invite the SIA to extend its remit to cover Scotland. From February 2007 the SIA will officially launch licensing in Scotland and from November 2007 it will become an offence to operate in the designated sectors without an SIA licence.
• Currently 289 security companies in England and Wales have attained Approved Contractor status. There is a public list of Approved Contractors here.