For the attention of: | News Desks | No of pages: | 02 |
Date: | 4 October 2018 | Ref: | NR27-18 |
Today, Thursday 4 October 2018, the Security Industry Authority (SIA) is launching a consultation on the revised eligibility and ‘fit and proper' criteria requirements for private security businesses seeking approval to the Approved Contractor Scheme (ACS). The criteria have been updated as part of the fundamental review of the scheme.
A new publication ‘Get Approved' has been produced which contains all of the eligibility criteria requirements for the ACS. The SIA is seeking views on the new document before Friday 16 November.
Click on the link to read ‘Get Approved' and click here to take part in the consultation. The changes to the ACS will take effect on 1 April 2019.
Evidence from the extensive review of the ACS suggested that the SIA did not need to make fundamental changes to the scheme. However, it was clear from the responses there were opportunities to make improvements.
The eligibility and ‘fit and proper' criteria has been revised to ensure only sound, sustainable and credible companies are able to join the scheme.
An enhanced scrutiny has been introduced to give clients and local enforcement partners the assurance that they are working with some of the best run businesses in the industry.
In addition the SIA is taking a firmer approach with PAYE. Approved contractors must give justification and evidence as to why their staff are not PAYE. This will help to ensure that businesses are employing staff on the right basis, ensuring compliance with tax and employment law as well as making sure that employees of approved contractors enjoy proper employment rights.
Ends
- Notes to Editors:
The SIA is currently hosting a series of ACS Events that will include a briefing on some of the changes to the ACS scheme resulting from the review. Approved contractors are encouraged to participate in these events. They will be hosted on the following dates and locations:
Tuesday 9 October - Glasgow
Tuesday 16 October - Bristol
Tuesday 23 October - Leeds
Thursday 25 October - Birmingham
Tuesday 30 October - London
Wednesday 31 October - London
*An event was held in Belfast on 3 October 2018.
Please note that due to high levels of interest, the SIA is limiting individual companies to two delegates per event. To register please visit the SIA website.
The Approved Contractor Scheme is voluntary and exists to raise performance standards. To be an Approved Contractor a business needs to meet a sector-specific approval based on a relevant set of qualifying criteria that is independently assessed.
The findings of the review are available on the ACS Review portal: www.pyetait.com/ACSReview
A copy of the news release announcing the outcome of the ACS Review is available by clicking the link here.
Further information:
The Security Industry Authority is the organisation responsible for regulating the private security industry in the United Kingdom, reporting to the Home Secretary under the terms of the Private Security Industry Act 2001. The SIA's main duties are: the compulsory licensing of individuals undertaking designated activities; and managing the voluntary Approved Contractor Scheme.
For further information about the Security Industry Authority or to sign up for email updates visit:www.sia.homeoffice.gov.uk. The SIA is also on Facebook (Security Industry Authority) and Twitter (@SIAuk).
Media enquiriesonlyplease contact:
Security Industry Authority
0300 123 9869
media.enquiries@sia.gsi.gov.uk