Why working with unaccredited security companies is a risky business

Do you know who has keys and access to your property and assets?

Or responsibility for keeping your staff, visitors and vulnerable groups (such as school children) safe?

Choosing a security company to work with is a big responsibility. Get it wrong and the risks can be high - something that was discovered by a private school in Wiltshire, which found its security provider had been using untrained, unvetted, and unlicensed security staff for 12 years!

And they’re not the only ones. Just days ago, the SIA fined a security company more than £46,000 for knowingly providing several clients with unlicensed security staff to protect their properties.

It’s one of the reasons why it’s so vital that the correct checks are carried before a contract is awarded, to ensure that any security that is put in place is going to effective and will preserve the safety of your people and assets.

Paul Howe, MD, Venture Security, explains: “The whole point of security is to give you peace of mind that your people and assets are protected. When you put your trust in a security company you expect certain standards will be met. Yet all too often we hear from companies who have been let down by a previous provider, who didn’t receive the service they expected, or suffered financial losses or otherwise - even being hit by insurance issues as a result of their security not being up to the required standard.

“It’s the reason I cannot stress enough that companies need to do their homework before handing over access, information or responsibility to a security company. By choosing an SIA approved contractor, a lot of the hard work has been done for you, as you’ll be opting for a company that has been externally verified and is committed to quality.”

How to choose a security contractor

There’s a lot to think about when it comes to choosing a security provider. Depending on your individual business needs, and the type and frequency of services you require, there will be certain key questions you should ask of a prospective supplier. They include:

• How long has the company been established?
• How do they vet and train staff?
• What accreditations and certifications do they hold?
• What insurances do they hold?
• What do their customers say about them?

SIA Approved Contractor Scheme

One check to make is whether the company holds approved contractor status, under the Security Industry Authority’s (SIA) Approved Contractor Scheme.

The SIA is the organisation responsible for regulating the UK’s private security industry. It manages the Approved Contractor Scheme (ACS), which is a voluntary scheme that independently measures private security suppliers against 78 operational and performance standards.  

Organisations who meet the standards are awarded Approved Contractor status. They must be assessed every year and renew their approval every three years. You can check whether a potential provider is approved by visiting the SIA website. You can also check if an individual is licensed, as they are required to be by law here.

Every year, all SIA approved contractors will be externally assessed and given a score, which will be verified by an independent assessor. Typically, a company that has achieved a score of 61 or higher would be in the top half of performance for approved contractors generally, while a company that has achieved a score of 128 or higher would be in the top 5% of all approved companies and therefore within the top 1% of all UK security companies.

The benefits of using an Approved Contractor

Choosing a security provider who has approved contractor status can be taken as proof of their commitment to quality, customer service and the licensing of staff members. It also offers assurance that every private security officer supplied by the company will be working within the law. SIA ACS should be the bare minimum a company should expect from their supplier.

The employment practices of an SIA Approved Contractor have been extensively assessed, in respect to quality standards and following industry methods of best practice. You can expect effective and customer-focused procedures to be in place that can help overcome any issues arising in service delivery.

Additional benefits include: 

1. Assurance of Professional Standards

Accredited security providers adhere to recognised industry standards set by bodies like the British Standards Institute (BSI), the Security Industry Authority (SIA) or the National Security Inspectorate (NSI). This guarantees a higher level of professionalism and service. Accredited providers also ensure that their staff are licensed, vetted, trained, and equipped to handle security challenges effectively.

2. Regulatory Compliance

Accredited providers must comply with UK laws and regulations, ensuring that your business meets all legal requirements for security services. Most insurance policies also favour or mandate the use of accredited providers, ensuring your coverage remains valid in the event of incidents.

3. Enhanced Reputation

Partnering with an accredited security provider enhances your business’s image, demonstrating a commitment to safety and quality to customers and stakeholders. The professionalism of accredited providers will reflect on your organisation.

4. Effective Risk Management

Accredited security providers deliver well-trained personnel, use the correct, modern equipment and have proven protocols in place to protect your premises, people, and assets. In the area of data protection, for example, accredited providers ensure compliance when handling sensitive information, safeguarding against breaches.

5. Cost Efficiency in the Long Term

With skilled personnel and robust processes, accredited providers reduce the likelihood of theft, vandalism, or other costly security failures. By choosing a trusted provider, you also reduce the risk of financial and operational disruption caused by a subpar service. They can also enable efficiencies in security processes, meaning less security-related delays in your organisation.

6. Accountability and Oversight

Accredited providers undergo regular assessments to ensure they continue to meet high standards, offering peace of mind and accountability. Accreditation ensures providers are bound by ethical codes of professional conduct, making it easier to resolve any issues that arise.

7. Preparedness for Emergencies

Accredited security providers are equipped with well-developed emergency protocols and the infrastructure to handle unexpected situations effectively. With accreditation comes a level of reliability and expertise that can be crucial in maintaining business continuity during crises.

8. Confidence Among Stakeholders

Employees, clients, and public can feel more secure knowing your organisation is protected by properly screened professionals with a proven track record, enhancing overall confidence and trust in your organisation.

How does Venture Security measure up?

When it comes to quality - it’s all in the numbers!

The SIA Approved Contractor Scheme (ACS) is one of the most highly respected measures of quality, setting a minimum benchmark and ensuring standards are met across the security industry. Which is why we’re extremely proud to say in our 2024 assessment we retained our high score of 135 out of a maximum of 145.

That places us within the top 2% of all ACS companies and (by our calculations) within the top 0.4% of security companies UK-wide. We are currently the 13^th highest scoring security company in the UK whilst only being the 87^th largest.

In summary

Partnering with properly accredited security providers is an investment in safety, security, compliance, and peace of mind. These providers bring professionalism, accountability, and expertise that protect your business, enhance its reputation, and ensure long-term success. By choosing accredited suppliers, you demonstrate a commitment to high standards and safeguard your organisation against avoidable risks.

As a recognised hallmark of quality within the security industry, the SIA Approved Contractor Scheme is a great place to start. But don’t stop there. Ask for a full break down of all the accreditations, certifications and professional memberships a security provider may hold. For example, NSI Gold certification and the ACS Pacesetters scheme, which highlights the top 15% within the industry. That way, you’ll be making sure you have some of the best in the industry looking after your people, property and assets.

About Venture Security

Headquartered in Andover, Venture is an independent, family-run security company that provides specialised security services for public, corporate and residential clients across central southern England, including Salisbury, Southampton, Basingstoke, Winchester, Fareham, Eastleigh and Portsmouth.

Our most popular services include: key holding and alarm response, mobile security patrols, locks and unlocks, and static guarding.

For a no obligation chat about your security requirements, call us on 01264 391538 or email [email protected]