First Anniversary of Approved Contractor Scheme

16 February 2007: One year ago today, the Security Industry Authority (SIA) launched its voluntary Approved Contractor Scheme (ACS). The scheme was introduced to help to raise performance standards and to assist the private security industry in developing new opportunities.

335 security companies in England and Wales have attained Approved Contractor status and these companies are now enjoying improved standards and professionalism. Approved contractors have demonstrated commitment to customer service and to the compulsory licensing of their staff. This means their customers can be assured that private security operatives deployed on their premises will be working within the law. The SIA and its partner external assessing bodies monitor all approved contractors to verify that standards are maintained and the SIA can withdraw approval or withhold the authority to deploy staff under licence dispensation.

Andrew Shephard, Assistant Director of ACS said:

"I congratulate the 335 companies that have gained ACS status, this is an excellent achievement. The ACS accreditation mark is the premier hallmark of quality in the private security industry. Approximately half of all licensable individuals in England and Wales - that's nearly 90,000 people - are now working for approved contractors; more than 450 companies have applied to the ACS and are meeting or are working towards meeting ACS requirements. We have successful applicants from every size of company and from every sector, and we are confident that approved status is within the reach of any company that is determined to meet the required standards. Many customers of security services are already saying that the ACS is an important vehicle for raising standards and the level of professionalism in the industry."

Notes to Editors:

To achieve Approved Contractor status, companies supplying private security services must demonstrate to an independent assessor that they have met a series of requirements covering a range of business and management indicators.

Number of Approved Contractors = 335*

* Please note that contractors may be approved in more than one sector.

The Approved Contractor Scheme launches in Scotland 6 April 2007.

The Register of Approved Contractors lists all of the organisations that have met the requirements for the Approved Contractor Scheme. Companies who have had their approval withdrawn are also listed.