Why Choose an SIA-Approved Contractor Over an Unaccredited Security Firm?
January 23, 2025
When it comes to safeguarding your business, assets and employees, security should always be a top priority. Choosing the right security provider is one of the most critical decisions a business can make, as it directly impacts the safety, efficiency and reputation of your organisation.
When it comes to safeguarding your business, assets and employees, security should always be a top priority. Choosing the right security provider is one of the most critical decisions a business can make, as it directly impacts the safety, efficiency and reputation of your organisation.
Today, where numerous security firms vie for your attention, a key question often arises: Should you opt for an SIA (Security Industry Authority) approved contractor or a security firm that operates without accreditation and what’s the difference? Both options might claim to secure your premises, but the reality is that there is a substantial difference in the reliability, professionalism, compliance and quality of service between the two. For businesses that take their security seriously, selecting an SIA-approved contractor isn’t just a choice, it’s a solid investment in peace of mind, legal compliance and long-term protection.
Here’s why partnering with an SIA-approved contractor is the smarter, safer and more responsible decision.
The SIA is the regulatory body responsible for overseeing the private security industry in the UK. Accreditation under the voluntary SIA Approved Contractor Scheme (ACS) is a mark of distinction, think of it as a gold standard security industry-specific accreditation where that requires a security firm to meet strict and comprehensive standards across multiple areas, including:
Achieving SIA approval is not a one-time process. Companies must continuously meet these high standards through regular onsite audits and assessments. This ensures that they consistently deliver excellence in every aspect of their operations.
In contrast, unaccredited security firms operate without the oversight of an authoritative regulatory body. They may often lack the rigorous standards required by the SIA, exposing your business to potential risks such as inadequate training, insufficient employee vetting and poorly implemented service delivery and security protocols. Choosing an SIA-approved contractor ensures your security provider adheres to a gold standard of excellence specific to the industry it operates in, offering assurance of their legal compliance and accountability.
One of the hallmarks of an SIA-approved contractor is the level of training and qualifications required for their personnel. Every security professional working for an SIA-approved firm undergoes comprehensive training to meet the regulator’s exacting standards. This includes but is not limited to:
With this foundation, security officers are prepared to handle a wide range of challenges, from deterring theft and managing access control to addressing emergencies and managing potentially volatile situations effectively.
Unaccredited firms, on the other hand, often do not invest the same resources in staff training. Without sufficient preparation, their personnel may be ill-equipped to manage high-pressure situations or respond to emerging threats, leaving your business vulnerable to potential breaches or liability.
The legal landscape surrounding security services in the UK is complex and regulated. SIA-approved contractors operate fully within the framework of UK laws, including compliance with the Private Security Industry Act 2001. This ensures:
Hiring an unaccredited security firm, however, comes with significant risks. If their security officers are unlicensed or fail to comply with legal requirements, your business could face severe consequences, including legal liabilities, fines and potential insurance complications. By choosing an SIA-approved contractor, you eliminate these risks and ensure your security arrangements fully comply with the law.
Another critical advantage of working with an SIA-approved contractor is the assurance of legitimate and comprehensive insurance coverage. This coverage protects both your business and the contractor’s personnel in the event of:
Unaccredited firms may lack adequate insurance or operate with invalid policies. For example, they might not vet their staff to BS7858 standards (a requirement for many insurance policies), leaving their coverage void. This oversight could result in your business being financially liable for damages or claims that arise during a security incident. By partnering with an SIA-approved contractor, you ensure that robust insurance coverage is in place, safeguarding your interests and demonstrating due diligence to your stakeholders.
SIA-approved contractors are not only required to meet high standards at the time of accreditation but must also maintain them through regular audits and assessments. This ongoing oversight includes performance monitoring, customer feedback analysis and continuous improvement plans. These measures ensure:
Without this level of scrutiny, unaccredited firms lack mechanisms to ensure quality and reliability over time. Choosing an SIA-approved contractor means working with a company that is committed to ongoing excellence and is held accountable for maintaining high standards.
The SIA enforces a strict code of conduct and ethics for all approved contractors. This ensures:
Unaccredited firms, lacking such oversight, may not meet these standards consistently. Incidents of unprofessional conduct or negligence can tarnish your business’s reputation, making it essential to choose a provider with a proven commitment to professionalism.
An SIA-approved contractor typically offers a wide range of security services, including:
Unaccredited firms may lack the resources, expertise, or scope to deliver these comprehensive services, limiting their ability to address complex security challenges. With an SIA-approved provider, you gain access to tailored solutions designed to meet your specific needs, backed by industry best practices and advanced technology.
Ultimately, the greatest benefit of choosing an SIA-approved contractor is the peace of mind it provides. Knowing that your security provider is accredited, fully compliant with the law, adequately insured and staffed by trained professionals offers unparalleled reassurance. This confidence allows you to focus on your business priorities, knowing your security needs are in the best possible hands.
Unaccredited firms, by contrast, introduce uncertainty. Whether it’s the risk of under-trained personnel, operating illegally, inadequate insurance, or inconsistent service quality, the potential for issues far outweighs any perceived cost savings.
Security is not an area where businesses can afford to cut corners. While unaccredited security firms may offer lower prices, the risks they pose far outweigh any short-term savings. From legal compliance and robust insurance coverage to superior training and accountability, SIA-approved contractors have been voluntarily third party audited, directly from their industries regulatory body to ensure they deliver the highest level of assurance, protection and professionalism.
Finally, you must ask yourself this question: there are around 20,000 security companies within the UK and only around 760 hold SIA Approved Contractor status. For many firms, the choice to operate without ACS accreditation is simply easier. By avoiding the stringent audits and third-party oversight required for SIA approval, they escape the need to maintain the same high standards of training, compliance and performance. However, this lack of accountability leaves significant gaps in the reliability, professionalism and legality of their services.
Just because a company claims to be a "security company" doesn’t mean it’s trustworthy or capable of protecting your business. Without ACS accreditation, there’s no actual proof they meet the standards required to safeguard anything. Choosing an unaccredited provider is a gamble with your security, plain and simple. SIA-approved contractors prove their commitment to quality and integrity through several relentless days each year of third-party audits. The rest? They either can’t or won’t.
At CR2 Security Group, we’re committed to delivering reliable, expert security solutions that give you absolute peace of mind. Ready to learn more about our services? For personalised assistance, contact us here or email jason@cr2security.com.
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