The National Security Inspectorate (NSI) and the Security Industry Authority (SIA) report the first scheme to offer access to the Approved Contractor Scheme (ACS) via the Passport Route.
From April 1, the Passport route will be open to NSI Guarding Gold approved companies providing services for guarding, CCTV, door supervision and keyholding. The Passport route offers an NSI Guarding Gold approved company another option for access to the ACS. NSI approved companies choosing this route must meet a new NSI passport specification but will not be required to go through separate ACS assessment, a potential cost saving.
What they say
Andrew White, NSI’s Chief Executive said: “NSI is proud to be the first assessing body to offer a Passport route for those companies already achieving high standards through the NSI Guarding Gold scheme. By combining NSI Guarding Gold with SIA approved contractor status a company demonstrates that it works to the highest of standards available. For NSI this includes all relevant British Standards and for the ACS scheme additional measures such as Corporate Social Responsibility.”
Michael Wilson, SIA Chief Executive said: “The SIA is delighted to welcome NSI as the first Assessing Body permitted to offer the Passport route to ACS. The SIA is determined to see the ACS as the approval of choice for security contracts across government, local government and industry. We want the ACS to provide a real business advantage to security companies, and the Passport route offers a further option for suppliers to realise that advantage.”
