SIA Approved Contractor Scheme (ACS)
The Security Industry Authority’s Approved Contractor Scheme, commonly known as the SIA ACS, is a voluntary quality assurance scheme for businesses providing contracted private security services in the UK. It recognises organisations that meet the ACS standard and gives customers, buyers and specifiers greater confidence in how their security services are managed and delivered.
ACS approval applies to specific security activities. It is separate from individual SIA licensing and does not replace the licensing requirements for security personnel.
Who Can Apply?
ACS approval is available to eligible organisations providing the following security services:
- Security guarding
- Door supervision
- Keyholding
- Public space surveillance using CCTV
- Close protection
- Cash and valuables in transit
- Vehicle immobilisation, in Northern Ireland only.
Applicants must meet the SIA’s eligibility requirements and demonstrate that their business is fit and proper. This includes having provided the relevant services under contract in the UK for at least 12 months and supplying at least two licensable operatives in each activity for which approval is sought. The SIA also checks licensing arrangements and requires people deployed on regulated activities to be employees or employees for tax purposes
What Does the Assessment Cover?
The assessment considers how your business operates in practice and evaluates its performance against the seven criteria of the ACS standard:
- Strategy
- Service delivery
- Commercial relationship management
- Financial management
- Resources
- People
- Leadership.
Your assessor will review relevant documents, records, systems and working practices. The assessment includes visits to relevant business premises and operational sites, alongside discussions with managers, employees and customers. Subcontracting arrangements may also be reviewed. The focus is on demonstrating that your procedures work effectively in practice, not simply that they are documented.
The assessment also considers how your organisation understands and applies relevant British Standards codes of practice. This includes using BS 7858 as the benchmark for staff screening and vetting. These checks form part of the ACS assessment rather than a separate assessment for certification to those standards.
SSAIB’s Role
Following your assessment, SSAIB provides a report outlining the findings, including good practice, opportunities for improvement and any improvement needs that must be addressed to meet the ACS standard.
A copy of the report is submitted to the SIA for review. SSAIB carries out the independent assessment, while the SIA makes the final decision on ACS approval.
Once approved, your organisation must undergo an annual assessment and continue to meet the scheme’s requirements. You must also complete the SIA’s annual re-registration process and renew your approval every three years.
Benefits of ACS Approval
Achieving SIA Approved Contractor status can help your business demonstrate its commitment to quality and strengthen its position when competing for security contracts. Benefits include:
- Greater visibility: Inclusion in the SIA’s public Register of Approved Contractors.
- Recognised status: Permission to use the ACS accreditation mark in accordance with the SIA’s requirements.
- Customer confidence: Evidence that your organisation has been assessed against a recognised quality standard.
- Tender opportunities: The ability to pursue contracts where ACS approval is a requirement.
- Continuous improvement: A structured framework for reviewing performance and identifying ways to improve your business.
Arrange Your ACS Assessment with SSAIB
Whether you are applying for the first time or need an assessment to maintain your existing approval, SSAIB provides independent assessment services through the standard route. We can also assess businesses whose previous ACS assessment was carried out by another approved assessing body.