13 May 2008: The Office of Government Commerce (OGC) has completed the second annual review of the Security Industry Authority's Approved Contractor Scheme (ACS). The recommendations of the review and the SIA's response can be found on the SIA website.

The OGC consulted with stakeholders during January and February 2008 and research included one-to-one interviews, workshops during ACS forums and a web-based survey.

The SIA and the Home Office have considered the OGC report in detail and agreed a response to each specific recommendation made, together with a timetable for implementation and further detail where appropriate.

Andrew Shephard, SIA Assistant Director of ACS said:

"We welcome the OGC report and strongly believe that industry standards have started to rise. As a result of the review, we will implement a number of changes to the ACS which will build on what has already been achieved and ensure that the scheme plays its part in helping to protect the public."

Notes to Editors:

• The OGC review and the SIA's summary response are available here
• The OGC is an office of HM Treasury, responsible for improving value for money by driving up standards and capability in procurement
• There are currently 477 SIA Approved Contractors