Ensuring the security of your staff, premises, and assets is a fundamental responsibility for any business. Choosing the right security provider can significantly mitigate risks and safeguard your organisation’s reputation. This guide provides essential insights into the procurement process, helping companies to make informed decisions when selecting SIA-approved contractors.
Defining Your Security Requirements
Before engaging a security provider, businesses should conduct a thorough analysis to determine their specific security needs. This includes:
- Conducting a comprehensive risk and threat assessment.
- Establishing a clear security policy and strategy.
- Security officers may need to identify any additional duties without compromising their primary functions.
- Determining whether additional training or qualifications are necessary for security personnel.
Businesses can ensure that their security strategy aligns with their operational requirements by addressing these key areas.
The Procurement Process: What to Consider
When tendering for a security service provider, businesses should:
- Seek expert guidance in drafting the invitation to tender.
- Where applicable, ensure compliance with Transfer of Undertakings (Protection of Employment) Regulations (TUPE).
- Request shortlisted companies to present their proposals.
- Visit existing customers of preferred bidders to assess service quality in real life.
Selecting a security provider based on these criteria helps businesses avoid common pitfalls associated with inadequate security services.
The Importance of Choosing an SIA-Approved Contractor
The Approved Contractor Scheme (ACS) is a recognised hallmark of quality within the private security industry. Companies accredited under this scheme are rigorously assessed against 78 performance indicators across seven critical criteria, ensuring high standards in service delivery.
Working with an SIA-approved contractor provides the following benefits:
- Assurance that the provider meets industry-leading standards.
- Verification that the company adheres to legal and regulatory requirements.
- Confidence that the Security Industry Authority (SIA) has already performed due diligence checks.
To check if a supplier is click here SIA approved
The Risks of Choosing Security Based on Cost Alone
Opting for the lowest-cost security service may appear attractive initially but can have significant long-term repercussions. Poor-quality security services can:
- Increase the risk of violent incidents on-site.
- Damage the company’s reputation in the event of security breaches.
- Lead to compliance issues that may impact insurance coverage.
Furthermore, security providers offering extremely low hourly rates may be cutting corners on essential legal requirements, such as fair wages and proper training. Businesses should conduct thorough vetting to avoid potential liabilities.
Essential Checks for Non-Approved Contractors
If businesses decide not to use an SIA-approved contractor, they should conduct the following due diligence checks:
- Compliance with British Standards for security services, including:
- BS10800:2020 – Security service provision code of practice.
- BS7499 – Static site guarding and mobile patrol standards.
- BS7858 – Security screening and vetting processes.
- BS7984 – Keyholding response procedures.
- Verify proper licensing for all directors, managers, and security personnel.
- Examination of audited financial records and PAYE compliance.
- Confirmation of appropriate insurance coverage.
- Validation of accreditation marks and testimonials.
- Scrutiny of employment conditions (minimum wage, holiday entitlement, pension contributions, and adherence to labour laws).
- Conducting open-source research on the business, its directors, and shareholders.
Ongoing Monitoring and Compliance
Even after selecting a security provider, businesses must continue to assess their performance through:
- Regular audits and compliance reviews.
- Unannounced site visits and spot checks.
- Verification of invoice details to ensure legitimacy.
- Monitoring security officers to confirm contractual obligations are met.
By maintaining these practices, businesses can ensure their security provider remains accountable and continues to deliver quality service.
Collaborating with Security Providers
Approved security contractors offer valuable expertise in evaluating security needs and implementing tailored solutions. Businesses should engage with security providers to:
- Conduct a pre-market security assessment before formal procurement.
- Define clear expectations and performance metrics in contracts.
- Ensure ongoing communication for continuous service improvement.
By prioritising quality and due diligence, businesses can protect their brand, assets, and workforce while ensuring compliance with regulatory standards.
Closing Thoughts
Choosing the right security provider is critical to business continuity and reputation. Businesses can secure their assets by following best practices, conducting thorough due diligence, and prioritising quality over cost. Partnering with an SIA-approved contractor simplifies the procurement process and ensures compliance with industry standards, ultimately providing greater peace of mind.
