Contract Quality Marque
The Contract Quality Marque is a unique scheme that has been developed to show customers that specific security guarding contracts have achieved a higher standard than those currently recognised in the industry.
The scheme criteria incorporates and builds on standards already required for security guarding companies working to ISO 9001, British Standards and the Security Industry Authority's (SIA) Approved Contractor Scheme. In addition, the CQM requires security guarding companies to go that "extra mile" and deliver professional and motivated officers through the benefit of improved employment terms and conditions, training and staff development programmes.
The scheme is open to any security guarding company that can meet the CQM criteria and is not restricted to NSI approved companies. The CQM is supported by the British Security Industry Association, Skills for Security and leading security companies and customers.
Who Benefits?
The Customer
The customer is reassured that the contract guarding company is providing the best possible service for their specific contract. The CQM can also provide a benchmark for tender documents and provides assurances that contracts are being set to the highest standards available.The Security Company
The security company can confidently demonstrate to its customers that it is working to the highest industry standards relevant to their contracts. They can also demonstrate they are prepared to have unannounced inspections of their on-site service delivery.The Security Officer
The security officer will be motivated to perform efficiently and effectively by benefitting from improved terms and conditions, training and development opportunities.How does it work?
The CQM is awarded for individual customer contracts with the agreement of both the customer and the security guarding company. The CQM is valid for the duration of the contract subject to both the contracted security company and the contract conditions continuing to meet the qualifying criteria. After the initial assessment of the contract by NSI, annual inspections will be conducted to ensure both the security company and the contract conditions continue to meet the scheme criteria. In addition, unannounced visits will provide reassurance that security officers are competent and doing what they are contracted to deliver.What are the Qualifying Criteria?
Specific enhanced customer contract criteria must be evidenced in order to qualify for the CQM, which include:- working conditions that have been agreed with the customer in advance and include a standard working week not exceeding 48 hours, shifts not normally exceeding 12 hours, a lunch break of 30 minutes and two additional 15 minute breaks
- security officers trained to meet the requirements of the contract, including induction, on-site training and paid developmental training in the current and subsequent years of 32 and 16 hours respectively
- personal development plans for security officers
- the security guarding company agreeing with the customer the frequency for check-calls, supervisory and management visits to the site. Checks must include the officer's alertness/awareness, appearance, the condition of the officer's working location and other welfare issues
- employer pension contributions on completion of any probationary period
- prescribed minimum sick pay, death-in-service insurance, payment for injury on duty, an employee assistance programme and legal representation
Security guarding companies wishing to achieve the CQM for its customer contract(s) must already:
- be operating an ISO 9001 Quality Management System, which is independently assessed and registered with a UKAS accredited certification body
- maintain approval with the SIA's Approved Contractor Scheme for the relevant sectors for the duration of the CQM contract
- comply with the appropriate British Standards
View Full Copy of the Qualifying Criteria
