Ward Security has achieved an outstanding rating in retaining its status as a member of the Approved Contractor Scheme (ACS). In fact, in increasing its score from 89 to 125, the Rochester-based business is believed to have positioned itself in the top 5% of ACS-approved security companies in the country. The maximum overall score that can be achieved is currently 159.
The score marks an improvement of more than 40% and the inspector praised all aspects of the operation that fell under his scrutiny.The ACS is the recognised performance standard for guarding companies in the security sector, and requires an organisation to successfully undergo an independent audit in order to be registered as an Approved Contractor.Continual improvement is central to the ACS: the scheme is underpinned by a progressive quality standard that aims to raise the bar (and so to raise standards) over time.
The findings of the latest inspection acknowledged Ward Security’s considerable investment in changes to systems and processes, as well as incorporating leading-edge technology to improve the service delivered to customers.In addition to the areas of good practice already identified as part of the ACS assessment, the inspector singled out Ward Security for its provision of an independently audited voluntary saving scheme toward SIA Licence renewal fee, as well as a welfare portal on the company’s website to enable employees to seek help/advice on personal problems.
Ward Security managing director David Ward said: “Achieving a score of 125 puts us in the very top ranks of the 650-plus companies now in the ACS. It’s something that we are incredibly proud of. Ward Security has been a long-time supporter of the ACS as a benchmark for best practice across the security industry. As a company, we’re never content with resting on our laurels: we will always strive to push our standards to the next level and I believe our latest ACS score reflects that.”