Accreditations & Compliances
The Private Security Industry Act 2001 (PSI Act).
The Security Industry Authority (SIA) (www.the-sia.org.uk) exists to manage the licensing of the private security industry as set out in the PSI Act. It also aims to raise professional standards and skills, and to promote ‘best practice’.
SIS has, and continues to maintain, an active interest in all associated developments relating to the PSI Act. The SIA is expecting to begin licensing private investigators, (to include professional surveillance operatives) in 2006. We are confident that we have the necessary internal protocols, procedures and quality management processes in place to satisfy the strictest criteria and believe that our ISO certification, through a UKAS-accredited agency, the NSI, illustrates our commitment to achieving and maintaining the highest professional standards. We also welcome the proposed competency (skills) strategy in support of licensing and feel that we have much to offer in developing the core competency specification.
SIS is registered with the Investigator’s Sector Group (ISG) which is recognised by the SIA as the consulting body that will be actively involved in strategy discussions aimed towards implementation of the PSI Act.
ISO 9001:2000.
In May 2000 SIS achieved certification to ISO 9001:2000, the internationally recognised Quality Management Standard. (www.iso.org)
National Security Inspectorate (NSI).
SIS is proud to hold the NSI’s Gold Award, (Certificate No 5238). The NSI is SIS’s ISO certification agency. The NSI is itself accredited, by the United Kingdom Accreditation Service (UKAS). (www.nsi.org.uk)
United Kingdom Accreditation Service (UKAS).
UKAS operates on behalf of the government under a Memorandum of Understanding from the Department of Trade and Industry. It is the sole national accreditation body recognised by government to assess, against internationally agreed standards, organisations that provide certification, testing and inspection services. Accreditation by UKAS demonstrates the competence, impartiality and capability of these evaluators.(www.ukas.com)
The Information Commissioner.
Under the terms of the Data Protection Act 1998, SIS is registered with the Information Commissioner, (Registration No Z5659222). (www.informationcommissioner.gov.uk)
The Human Rights Act 1998.
This is an area in which currently, certification or registration is not possible. However, since the Act came into force in October 2000, SIS has maintained a strict policy of compliance that is enshrined within our Code of Conduct signed by all our staff. (www.hmso.gov.uk/acts/acts1998/19980042.htm)
Ofcom (Office of Communications).
Under the Wireless Telegraphy Acts 1949 and 1998, SIS is registered with Ofcom, (Licence Number 19589). (www.ofcom.org.uk)
The Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974
SIS recognises the importance of providing safe and environmentally healthy working conditions and practices, and fully accepts its legal responsibilities as an employer in meeting the duties imposed on it by the Act. (www.healthandsafety.uk/haswa.htm)
Statutory Insurance Cover.
SIS carries Motor, Employers Liability and Public Liability insurance cover, as well as Professional Indemnity insurance. Further details are available on request.
