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Who are our Guarding schemes for?
For companies delivering security guarding, mobile patrols and related protective services, NSI’s Guarding schemes are the recognised benchmark for professionalism, compliance and operational excellence.
If your business operates in the private security guarding sector, NSI approval provides independent assurance to customers, insurers and public sector buyers that your services are delivered responsibly, consistently and in line with industry best practice.
NSI Guarding Gold & Silver
Stand out from the crowd and be a part of the elite in the UK security services sector. Built on the core British Standards that define excellence in security provision, designed around your business, this service modular specific scheme provides flexibility and a unified, ethical and accountable framework that proves your commitment to doing things right.
It’s why the industry’s most respected organisations choose NSI - because our certification is like no other and the one that truly sets you apart.
NSI Guarding Gold
NSI’s premier security guarding services scheme is designed for companies who meet the industry’s highest technical standards and maintain a commitment to continual improvement with an ISO 9001 Quality Management System.
- Choice of modules from our module list
- Includes ISO 9001 for Quality Management and Continuous Improvement.
- NSI Guarding Gold companies can join the Security Industry Authority (SIA) Approved Contractor Scheme (ACS) without a further assessment
Apply for NSI Guarding Gold
NSI Guarding Silver
NSI's Guarding Silver scheme is designed as a stepping stone towards Guarding Gold. It requires companies to meet the same high level of technical competence as the Guarding Gold scheme.
- Choice of modules from our module list
Apply for NSI Guarding Silver
Module list: Guarding Gold and Silver:
SIA Approved Contractor Scheme (ACS)
NSI has been working with the ACS scheme since it started. In fact, we have had a role in assisting its development with the Security Industry Authority (SIA) that goes all the way back to its inception in 2006. We are proud to serve such a large community of Approved Contractors.
The SIA’s Approved Contractor Scheme (ACS) provides a recognised hallmark of quality within the private security industry.
Your ACS approval provides buyers with confidence in the quality and reliability of your security services. Approval can extend across areas including Security Guarding, Keyhold, Door Supervision, Cash/Valuables in Transit, Public Space Surveillance (CCTV), Vehicle Immobilisation (Northern Ireland) and Close Protection.
- Inclusion in the Register of Approved Contractors published on the SIA website.
- Authority to use the ACS Accreditation Mark on stationery, livery and websites.
- Approval may provide access to tender opportunities where ACS is a pre-requisite.
- ACS is adaptable to any organisation, regardless of size.
We offer two routes to ACS:
Standard Route
The standard route entails an in-house self-assessment which is then verified during an assessment visit by a qualified assessor from NSI.
Pursuing this route with NSI means that you gain:
- Straightforward ACS approval
- The reassurance of using the UK's most recognised security certification body
Take the Standard Route
ACS Passport Route
NSI Guarding Gold companies can join the Security Industry Authority (SIA) Approved Contractor Scheme (ACS) without a further assessment.
This means that you gain:
- a single cost-effective programme for ACS and NSI Guarding Gold - tailored to your organisation
- Time-efficiency in achieving multiple security certifications.
- NSI's UKAS-accredited auditing - the highest standard in the UK.
The Passport scheme is the route most companies use to combine ACS with Guarding Gold.
Alarm Response Centre (ARC)
NSI Alarm Response centre (ARC) Gold
Discover our range of certifications for ARCs, including our ARC certification.
Certifies Alarm Receiving Centres (ARCs) to meet the highest technical and quality standards for security monitoring services. This certification demonstrates a commitment to ISO 9001 emphasising continuous improvement and maintaining the highest standards. NSI Gold approval certification assures clients of high standards, enhances reliability, and provides a trustworthy mark of quality and trust.
- BS 5979: The standard for Alarm Receiving Centres.
- BS 8418: For the use of detector-activated CCTV systems.
- BS 8484: For lone worker device monitoring
Join the most respected brands in the industry
Begin your journey towards NSI certification.
Once your enquiry is received, we’ll provide a tailored quotation and information on Approval Criteria, NSI Regulations and supporting documents.
