NSI First for SIA Passport Route

NSI has become the first Security Industry Authority (SIA) Assessing Body for its Approved Contractor Scheme (ACS) to offer access via the Passport route.

From 1 April 2008, the Passport route will be open to NSI Guarding Gold approved companies providing services for Security Guarding, CCTV, Door Supervisors and Keyholding.

The Passport route offers an NSI Guarding Gold approved company an additional option for access to the ACS.  NSI approved companies achieving this must meet a new NSI Passport Specification, but will not be required to go through separate ACS assessments, thus benefiting from potential cost savings.

Andrew White, NSI's Chief Executive commented, "NSI is proud to be the first Assessing Body to offer a Passport route for those companies already achieving high standards through the NSI Guarding Gold scheme.  By combining NSI Guarding Gold with SIA approved contractor status, a company demonstrates that it works to the highest of standards available.  For  NSI, this includes all the relevant British Standards and for the SIA scheme, additional measures such as Corporate Social Responsibility".

Michael Wilson, SIA Chief Executive said, "The SIA is delighted to welcome NSI as the first Assessing Body permitted to offer the Passport route to ACS.  The SIA is determind to see the ACS as the approval of choice for security contracts across government, local government and industry. We want the ACS to provide a real business advantage to security companies, and the Passport route offers a further option for suppliers to realise that advantage".

Companies wishing to register their interest should visit www.nsi.org.uk/passport

5 March 2008