Holding NSI approval is a visible validation for your clients of the management of your business, the technical competence of your teams and your commitment to customer service. As the UK’s leading independent, UKAS accredited certification body operating in the security sector, NSI approval is a trusted hallmark for buyers of guarding services. NSI's in-house team of highly trained auditors independently assess your business, reviewing your processes to ensure they are compliant with British and international standards. The audit report you receive helps your business to maintain a path o...

The National Security Inspectorate (NSI) is an independent assessment body for the SIA Approved Contractor Scheme (ACS). ACS is increasingly becoming a mandatory requirement for buyers of manned security services. It is a distinct approval demonstrating your company has been independently assessed against recognised standards and helps to ensure the services your company delivers more closely reflect your buyers’ requirements. Our knowledgeable experts will guide you through the process. You will be assigned one of our specialist ACS assessors who will work with you to plan and carry out yo...

Entry to the 2019 UK Outstanding Security Performance Awards (OSPAs) has opened and the event organisers are calling for nominations. The UK OSPAs are now in their third year and form part of a global awards scheme currently running in 8 countries to recognise and reward outstanding performance across the security sector. 2019 sees the introduction of a number of new categories which have been pioneered to acknowledge both in-house and contracted security personnel and new security products. Entry is open until 16th November 2018 and nominations are invited in the following categories. Out...

Alan Clamp, CEO at the Security Industry Authority, is to step down from the organisation in the autumn after more than three successful years at the helm. Alan will take on the role of CEO at the Professional Standards Authority from 1 November 2018. Commenting on his decision to leave the SIA, Dr Clamp said: ‘It has been a great privilege to lead the SIA. I have been supported by a staff team who have consistently performed to a very high standard with dedication and professionalism. “I would like to thank them for this. Their commitment, together with the engagement and support of th...

HMRC and the Security Industry Authority (SIA) have today sealed a new partnership to tackle incidents of tax fraud in the private security industry. Both organisations have been working together to identify problems in the sector, including businesses abusing employment rules, running up high debts and taking part in Payroll Company Fraud. It is estimated that this could be costing the UK economy tens of millions of pounds - money that should be funding vital public services. The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) will allow HMRC and the SIA to share information about businesses and individ...

On 6 June, at Shrewsbury Crown Court, Showtime Security Guards Ltd and its director, Maria Francis, pled guilty to supplying unlicensed security guards. In addition, the sole shareholder of Showtime Security Guards Ltd, Matthew Davies was found not guilty of the same offence. He was, however, found guilty of intimidation, by attempting to persuade a witness not to give evidence. Pete Easterbrook, SIA Criminal Investigations Manager said: “Showtime Security Guards Ltd was run with little or no regard for whether the security operatives they supplied were licensed or not. This indifferent ...

The Security Institute is pleased to announce the co-option of Paul Barnard MSt MSyI to the Security Institute Board of Directors. Paul has filled the one remaining place on the board following this year’s elections at the Institute Annual General Meeting on 17th April. Dr Alison Wakefield FSyI, Chairman of the Security Institute, said that she was “delighted to welcome Paul onto the Institute’s Board of Directors.” “Paul joins us with an impressive background as a senior counter-terrorism policing specialist, committee member of the City of London Crime Prevention Association an...

The Security Industry Authority (SIA) today welcomed the publication of the Home Office Review (of the regulator). The review was conducted on behalf of the home secretary by Tony Regan, a senior official in the Crime, Policing and Fire Group in the Home Office. The review was intended to consider the relevance of the regulatory regime and the regulator. The review has evaluated SIA performance against the purpose of the Private Security Industry Act 2001, which sought to offer protection to the public, and professionalise the private security industry. In a statement issued today, Alan Clam...

On May 15, at Laganside Magistrates Court in Belfast, Gareth Henry was prosecuted by the Security Industry Authority (SIA) and found guilty of working without a licence. The SIA were alerted to Henry’s behaviour in October 2017 by the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI). They had received reports of Henry using excessive force at a bar on Dublin Road, in Belfast. SIA investigators visited the venue where Henry worked and discovered that he was working without a licence. SIA investigators discovered that Henry had previously held a licence, but that it had expired in 2013. He was caut...

Infologue.com’s Alex Walker on 9th May attended a panel discussion entitled “From Mission to Impact – “The Benefits of Social business” presented by the Cordant Group and The Social Market Foundation think tank. The event, held at Portcullis House opposite the Palace of Westminster in London, played host to thought leaders and MPs in a meeting and panel discussion debating Cordant Group’s determination to evolve as a social enterprise. The Discussion and Q&A was chaired by BBC broadcaster and Economist Dharshini David who introduced the speakers, comprising: Eleanor Mills, E...