Lifting the lid on regulation in the security industry
The topic of regulation and compliance can be something of a glass half empty, glass half full subject. To some it means red-tape and bureaucracy; to others it means process and control. Whatever your point of view, the times in which we live show us that regulatory control is essential.
In some areas like financial services, and health and social care compliance is mandatory. In other sectors though, that for many are just as important, regulation remains voluntary.
Such industries provide the opportunity for cowboys or well-intentioned, but unsuitably qualified operators to ply their trade.
If we lift the lid and take a closer look inside, we find the security industry is one where regulation is voluntary. This may come as a surprise to some, but it remains a fact: The security industry is unregulated.
NSI voluntary regulation: Promoting quality in an unregulated industry
The need for safety and security has never been more important. This means it is essential high quality security companies with impeccable credentials are used for specifying, installing and supporting security systems. The risks of an unregulated industry needed to be addressed.
This was realised a long time ago and in 1971, the predecessor of the National Security Inspectorate (NSI) was founded. Today the NSI is recognised as the leading certification body for the security and fire protection sectors in the UK. To achieve NSI certification, suppliers and maintenance providers submit to voluntary assessment.
The criteria assessed under the NSI Gold certification, the highest level, include:
- Experience and repute of management
- Maintenance contracts & ability to provide twenty-four hour cover
- Compliance with standards, codes of practice
- ISO 9001 quality management & British standards codes of practice and documentation
Another key area is the security screening of personnel. To meet NSI accreditation, commercial security systems people go through screening to BS5758: 2102. This prevents unsuitable people gaining access to confidential information and safeguards against security personnel as the source of a leak for an ‘inside job’.
NSI, BSI & ISO accreditations: Your guarantee of quality iC2 security solutions
iC2 has impeccable credentials and is trusted to deliver and maintain security solutions by some of the world’s biggest sporting, most prestigious and coveted luxury brands. Our NSI, BSI & ISO accreditations are your guarantee of the quality of our security solutions.
In an industry where regulation is voluntary, perhaps one of the most important credentials is putting your hand up and inviting the regulator to scrutinise your people, processes and standards.
To find out more about how we can help you to get the right security solution for your needs, simply contact us today.
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