What is the Point in the Approved Contractor Scheme?

Thinking that the ACS logo is the same for every Business could easily be expected.

The Approved Contractor Scheme from the Security Industry Authority or the ACS by the SIA is a voluntary scheme, involving an annual audit of the Security Company, verified by independent auditors and assessing 78 achievement indicators.

These indicators include diverse topics such as training, policies and Company Management; the higher the score achieved, the better the quality of the Company.

The Government’s Security Industry Authority’s Approved Contractor Scheme (ACS) is far more than just ‘Pass or Fail’ criteria. Every Company is given a score which displays how well they have performed during their audit.

Where does your Security Company Fit in the Scoring Pyramid ?

Advantage One Security’s latest Audit in July 2024 was conducted by the National Security Inspectorate (NSI) and the NSI awarded Advantage One 130 points, making Advantage One ranked as one of the best ACS Companies in the UK – in the Top 5% of all Security Companies to be precise.

James Haigh, Managing Director of Advantage One said; “the quality of our Company is the very centre of who we are and our accreditations and standards prove to our Customers that we make every effort in being the best we can be. I am proud that our people have been awarded this high score, placing us in the top 5% of all Security Companies, it is testament to the hard work carried out by not only our Security Officers, but our Management Team too”

IBIS World reports there are 6,297 Private Security Services in the UK. Out of this; only 838 are SIA Approved Contractors (as of March 2022) and out of this Advantage One Security are in the Top 5%.

“Most people don’t know there is a point score which goes with the badge”

Mr Haigh continued: “Promoting the Point Scoring of the ACS is important to show how serious the Security Company takes their job and in reality I think that most people; Security Buyers, don’t know that there is a score which goes with the badge – we like to do the job to the best of our ability and showing that we’re in the Top 5% helps us prove that”.

The SIA encourages Customers to understand the ACS Scheme and asking how your company has performed at their last audit, you can review the scores of your Security Company, comparing their score against Advantage One Security’s 130 points. You can also find out if a company is approved on their register of approved companies. You can find Advantage One Security’s registry here.

The National Security Inspectorate has also awarded Advantage One Security ‘Gold’ for Guarding; it is recommended that you check the standards of the company you employ to help ensure they have the standards tp secure what matters most to you. Those who buy security can check the SIA’s guide, with a few points to consider when choosing a supplier.