SIA Approved Contractor Scheme (ACS) -
Choose NSI (Insight Certification) As Your ACS Assessing Body

What Is The SIA Approved Contractor Scheme (ACS)?
Why Choose NSI/Insight As Your Assessing Body?
Three Routes to Approval
Eligibility Criteria
Licensing Requirements
ACS On-Line Achievement Record
What Does It Cost? 
How Do I Register My Interest In Choosing NSI/Insight As My SIA Assessing Body?
Application Assistance

What Is The SIA Approved Contractor Scheme (ACS)?

The Approved Contractor Scheme (ACS) was introduced by the Security Industry Authority (SIA) for contractors who provide security services in the following activities:

  • Security Guarding
  • Door Supervision
  • CCTV Public Space Surveillance
  • Keyholding
  • Close Protection
  • Cash & Valuables in Transit (CViT)
  • Vehicle Immobilisation

The ACS is based on two established business improvement models - ISO 9001:2000 and the European Foundation for Quality Management (EFQM) Excellence Model.  It encompasses all aspects of business operation and management, taking a holistic view as to how well the business performs, how effectively it services its customers and how it treats its employees.

Nine specific criteria are scrutinised by the Assessing Bodies (such as NSI), to verify that the company has met all the criteria and that they are being effectively managed and are continually improving.  These nine criteria are:

  • Strategy
  • Processes
  • Commercial Relationship Management
  • Financial Management
  • Resources
  • People
  • Leadership
  • Corporate Social Responsibility
  • Results

A significant benefit for SIA approved contractors is the ability to deploy up to 15% of licensable staff whose licence applications are pending.  This is subject to certain other requirements also being met, for example: they are suitably trained, their identity has been positively confirmed and their licence application has been acknowledged and is being processed by the SIA.

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Why Choose NSI As Your Assessing Body?

  • NSI is an inspection body that has a first-class reputation for providing the security industry with high quality approval services for over 35 years
  • Our qualified auditors have exceptional knowledge of the security industry and use their expertise and friendly listening approach to understand and work with security companies  
  • Our approach has helped many businesses develop through improved standards which can lead to better business prospects for you
  • However, we will not compromise on thoroughness just to make it easy today.  We believe it is essential to conduct a thorough auditing process, as this will bring to your attention issues you can address now which may benefit your company’s growth and profitability tomorrow
  • Companies approved within the NSI Guarding Gold and Cash Services Gold schemes can take advantage of the benefits of achieving ACS approval using the Passport route
  • NSI approved companies with ACS approval are often preferred by customers and specifiers who wish to select security companies that they know have the highest level of security industry recognition available
  • We are here to help you

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Three Routes to Approval

NSI is the only Assessing Body able to offer all three routes to achieving SIA approval, as we have been uniquely accredited by the SIA to offer the Passport route.

1.  Passport

The Passport route is currently only available to NSI Guarding Gold and Cash Services Gold approved companies who choose to use their NSI approval (which must include the Passport specification) as verification that they meet the SIA's criteria.

NSI approved companies will benefit as a separate ACS assessment will not be required, the criteria being covered as part of the NSI scheme inspection.

This generates cost savings over and above NSI approved companies who choose the Standard and Fast Track routes.

If you are eligible for this route, your company will be 'scored' by NSI to be compared like for like with other SIA Approved Contractors.  Additionally, you will have to demonstrate that you have achieved the highest possible standards relating to your sector(s) including ISO 9001:2000 and the relevent British Standards including BS 7858:2006. 

  • NSI approved Guarding Gold companies should complete the on-line enquiry form or call 01905 773131
  • Non-NSI Approved Companies wishing to take this route of approval must first become NSI Guarding Gold or Cash Services Gold approved.  Request an Information Pack

2.  Fast Track

This route is available to any company that:

  • already has ISO9001:2000 certification, held for at least six months from NSI or another UKAS accredited certification body
  • conforms to the relevant industry sector British Standards

If you choose this route:

  1. Ensure your ISO9001:2000 and British Standards certification is up to date.
  2. Download the current ACS Self Assessment Workbook and Guide.
  3. Ensure that you meet the required ACS standard for all indicators in the Self Assessment Workbook.
  4. Register on the SIA website to access the On-line Achievement Record and for items not already covered by the British Standards certificates, record your scores and summary evidence in your On-line Achievement Record.  You also need to confirm that you are at the level expected for your ISO9001:2000 and British Standards certification.
  5. Request an ACS Application Pack from the SIA. 
  6. Send the application to the SIA with the appropriate payment. You should state on this form that NSI is your Assessing Body. Assessments cannot be conducted until the SIA receive your application and authorise you to proceed.
  7. Submit your Achievement Record via the on-line system.
  8. To apply to NSI as your Assessing Body, get a quotation by completing an on-line enquiry or call 01905 773131. 
  9. Your application will be approved providing you also meet the eligibility criteria.  Verification must be completed within six months (verification may be through the NSI Passport route).

There are no specific British Standards relevant to companies involved in Close Protection or Vehicle Immobilisation.  These companies should choose the Standard route unless it can be demonstrated that they conform to a recognised and relevant code of practice as well as BS7858.

3.  Standard Route 

The Standard route is available to all companies that choose not to pursue the Passport or Fast Track routes. 

If you choose this route:

  1. Download the ACS Self Assessment Workbook and Guides.
  2. Assess your organisation and detemine your scores.
  3. Register on the SIA website to access the On-Line Achievement Record and record your scores and summary evidence.  Ensure you meet all the required indicators in the Self Assessment Workbook enabling you to move to the next step.
  4. Request an ACS Application Pack from the SIA.
  5. Send your application to the SIA with your payment and submit your Achievement Record via the on-line system.  You should state on the application form that NSI is your Assessing Body.  Assessments cannot be conducted until the SIA receive your application and authorise you to proceed.
  6. Arrange your verification visit by contacting NSI  on-line or call 01905 773131.
  7. Following a successful verification visit conducted by NSI, the SIA will approve your application provided you meet the relevant criteria.

NSI will conduct annual re-verification visits.

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Eligibility Criteria

The SIA will review your application against the follwing criteria:

  • SIA Licensed Staff - The required percentage of deployed staff must hold an appropriate SIA licence.
  • Fit and Proper Organisation/Management - The SIA must be satisfied that the company seeking approval is a 'fit and proper' organisation.  In addition to this, directors of the company must be 'fit and proper' persons and must not be disqualified from being directors.  Known allegations against directors may need to be investigated before proceeding.
  • Licensed Directors - All licensable directors must hold a vaild SIA licence or, in the view of the SIA,  have taken adequate steps to obtain one.
  • Significant Complaints - If there are significant concerns or complaints against your company or its senior management, these may have to be investigated further before proceeding.
  • Accreditations - Any prior accreditations provided for Fast Track or Passport have the appropriate scope for the application, have been awarded by a recognised (e.g. UKAS accredited) body such as NSI (Insight Certification Ltd), and have been held for a six month period prior to application.
  • Self Assessment- The Self Assessment Workbook (if applicable) has been completed properly with justification provided for the self-assessment.
  • Payment of the appropriate fees to the SIA

Information provided at the time of application will be made available by the SIA, to NSI for verification.  This will include information about directors and the status of employee licensing.

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Licensing Requirements

Organisations must meet mandatory licensing requirements for their staff  when applying for ACS approval and when approved.  Achieving and maintaining approval is dependent on having the designated percentage of your security staff licensed at any one time, regardless of whether they are deployed.

  • A minimum of 85% of licensable staff must hold a licence at all times
  • The 15% of licence applications in progress means only those currently being processed by the SIA
  • Licence applicants may only conduct licensable activities once the organisation has been approved for the ACS

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ACS On-Line Achievement Record

For Standard or Fast Track applications, the SIA on-line achievement record is used to capture and review your scores (as you work through the Self Assessment Workbook) and will also enable you to proceed with a formal application, should you choose to do so.

An e-mail containing your user name, password and a link to the achievement record, will be e-mailed to you when you register with the SIA.  The achievement record allows you to enter your assessment results in single or multiple sessions, which means you can complete this process in a time frame that is convenient to you.

You can also print reports and, once you have submitted your achievement record, you can request the ACS application forms, which must be completed and the original copies returned to the SIA.

Maintaining Approval

To maintain approval, an approved contractor must re-register every year and renew approval every three years.  The re-registration process requires re-verification visits from the chosen Assessing Body.

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What Does It Cost?

NSI Assessment Fees

These are set by NSI and a quote can be obtained through an on-line enquiry or by contacting NSI on 01905 773131.

SIA ACS Fees

Size of Company* Licensable Employees Application Fee** Annual Fee -***
per Employee
Micro <10 £400 £17
Small 11-25 £800 £17
Medium 26-250 £1600 £17
Large 250+ 2400 £17
* DTI Definition
** Payable at time of application
*** Payable following approval

An annual re-registration fee is payable each year that approval is renewed.
Fees are non-refundable once the application process has commenced.

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How Do I Register My Interest In Choosing NSI/Insight As My SIA Assessing Body?

Register for a quote or further information on-line or call us on 01905 773131

Download the SIA's "How to Become an Approved Contractor" brochure (download size 308kb)

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Application Assistance

Do you need expert help to become an ACS approved contractor?

The ACS application process is designed to be manageable for any sized company.  NSI (contact 01905 773131) and the SIA ACS team can assist you throughout the process. 

The Standard and Fast Track routes require your own assessment of your organisation, which is then verified by a qualified NSI assessor.  You and your employess are best placed to carry this out.  The Self Assessment Workbook will enable you quickly and easily to identify your organisation's strengths and weaknesses.

Third-Party Advice

Before seeking advice, we recommend discussing your application with NSI (01905 773131) or the SIA ACS team, who may be able to help you, thus avoiding the additional costs of third-party advice.

If you do choose to use third-party consultation, research and assess potential suppliers before contracting them as there have been instances of inaccurate and inappropriate advice being given and quality management systems being provided, that are neither tailored to the specific needs of the company or meet the ACS requirements.

NSI offers a one day pre-assessment visit at a nominal cost.  We will review your company's readiness and provide an expert gap analysis in order that you may prepare your company. 

If you are considering third-party consultation;

  • identify requirements and how else they can be achieved.  Is there an opportunity for a member of staff to cover this role?
  • Consider first talking to a company that has already become an approved contractor.
  • What knowledge and experience does the consultant have?  (You access the same public information they have access to).
  • If proceeding, specify objectives, outcomes and deadlines.
  • Consider how you will implement the system/process they set up.

The SIA does not train, approve or enter into any commercial arrangements with consultants.  Be wary of unsupported claims of ACS training and/or links with NSI or the SIA.

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