Local MP
Home Secretary Theresa May visited the Maidenhead head offices of the National Security Inspectorate (NSI) on Friday, September 27. She’s also the local MP. NSI is the certification body for the private security and fire sectors in the UK. The company employs 72 staff including a field force of auditors who visit alarm installers, guarding companies and fire protection firms to ensure compliance with the technical standards in their specific area. Mrs May was briefed on the NSI’s role and duties and met staff besides presenting silver medals to two staff at Maidenhead team who have reached their 20th year working within the organisation.
Jeff Little, CEO of NSI said after the visit: “We were delighted and most grateful that the Home Secretary took time out of her amazingly busy schedule to visit our headquarters on Friday. Security is close to everyone’s mind at the moment and we at NSI share the Government’s determination to reduce crime and maintain high standards across all aspects of the industry. We talked to Theresa about a number of recent developments including the recent regulation of Private Investigators and the future licensing of security companies in the guarding sector. “
The inspectorate points out that the visit came at a time of significant change in the security industry where technology is enabling far more remote monitoring and actions to be conducted via apps on a smart phone. Wireless alarm systems are now becoming widespread and the power of the internet, improved lenses, cameras and recording capabilities are now making it more difficult for criminals to evade justice. Domestic burglar alarms have been hugely successful in reducing the number of house burglaries over the past ten years but too many home owners still wait until they have experienced a burglary before fitting an alarm – by then it is too late.
NSI recommends that homeowners and those responsible for their business’ security choose an NSI approved company as they are independently audited to ensure continued compliance with relevant industry standards. A domestic security advice guide can be downloaded, free of charge, from the NSI website at www.nsi.org.uk in the ‘Information Centre’. The website also offers an NSI approved company directory to help locate a choice of suppliers for the particular security or fire safety service that is required.
NSI also provides training courses for the security and fire sectors. To find out more about NSI: www.nsi.org.uk
