Wilson Chowdhry, director of guarding firm AA Security, on the Approved Contractor Scheme (ACS)
The ACS has been devised in partnership with some of the leading voices in the industry, among them BSIA, Security Institute, Security watchdog and other expert bodies such as ACPO and British Standards Institute. Any other interested parties including security companies of any size, were invited to put suggestions forward by responding to a request on the SIA website. The draft policy was considerably revised as a result, and can be viewed via the SIA web site.
With such a comprehensive and informative consultation process, SIA has clearly undertaken due diligence. In essence we can see that the SIA have offered ample opportunity for participation by all concerned.
The approval process is based around “European Foundation Quality Management” (EFQM) model. The model uses a holistic approach to quality management, and takes an in-depth look at all aspects, focusing on the following key elements:
- Strategy
- Process
- Commercial Relationship Management
- Financial Management
- Resources
- People
- Leadership
- Corporate Social responsibility
- Results
There are fundamental differences here to previous accreditations, including a greater emphasis on continual professional development, specifically for personnel in each perspective company, accountability, and growth strategies. Another is the focus on development of a stronger emphasis on company ethics, and the social, economic and environmental effect of companies on the local community – otherwise known as sustainable development.
As a company that has always addressed and worked to address these issues, we look forward to the implementation of the ACS and accreditation, which points to a more professional dynamic, security sector, coupled with international recognition. The argument raised by some door supervisor companies that this type of management system has never been utilised within their industry suggests that adopting this model and its process, offers an alternative which could mean real benefits for both those of us in the industry and our clients.
Also, with the introduction of this low cost accreditation scheme, BSIA and other membership bodies will arguably have to review and reduce their pricing strategy, and offer a more client -specific service. Here at AA Security, we have often found that the BSIA information centre slow to respond and that the application process has been equally, frustratingly long. Some organisations, such as the Security Watchdog, have already improved the level of service they provide, with schemes offering regular publicity in their quarterly magazine, free admittance to their annual conference, including seminars and information from key industry commentators, free penetration audits, and assistance in linking national organisations with smaller subcontractors and vice versa.
For many, the Security Watchdog has always provided a more client-focused service and has schemes for nursery membership (for the new companies coming into the industry) and the Silver Fox Award! A further point in their favour is a membership rate much more competitive than the BSIA!
The SIA have clearly indicated their commitment to address the needs of the small and large firms within our sector. This is evident from their comprehensive consultation processes and to those who attended various seminars of their senior management.
Examples like this, when policy and practice are developed in tandem with those they most affect, are all too rare. For that reason alone, we should all support the ACS, as professional firms, working to known standards, can only benefit from the likely increase in service development, profile and client contact as a result.
*You can read this article on Professional Security Magazine [Here]