If you have ever tried to apply for a license, get a job, or do almost anything than can be regulated by a governing body (or 10), you’ll be aware of organisations that monitor other organisations.
Drivers who want their driving licenses have to deal with the DVLA. Want to make a complaint about TV shows? You have to send your problems to OFCOM. And then there is the Inland Revenue, everyone’s least favourite (just ask any self employed person when they are trying to fill in self assessment tax forms).
The security industry is no different. Training 4 Employment, during our various courses, will cover some of the governing bodies of the sector. Whether you are training to be a security guard, a door supervisor, a CCTV operator, or a close protection officer, you will have to deal with this organisations at some point.
So we have compiled a list of the most relevant bodies. There are minor, more specific ones we’ll leave off for now, but for the most part, these are the major ones.
BSIA
British Security Industry Association
The major trade association in the UK, the BSIA has been the industry leader for over 40 years. They represent everyone from multinational corporations, to small enterprises. They not only regulate services, but they also regulate security products manufactured in the UK.
Any security firm worth their salt (the BSIA’s members account for 70% of the UK security sector’s annual turnover) will be SIA licensed. They also offer additional training through their training subsidiary, the Security Industry Training Organisation (SITO).
You can rely on the BSIA to have your back when it comes to representation, and the organisation is always striving to make work life better for their various members.
NSI
National Security Inspectorate
Keeping up industry standards in such a delicate sector is vital. If a security firm is lax in any way, it can have dire ramifications. The NSI is the UK security sectors body of inspection. They make sure all of their members are up to scratch.
They monitor companies in a variety of ways, whether they work in residential or business security. Getting a certificate from them shows that the company in question is complying with the law, and operating on a high standard. The fringe benefits are obvious – these companies can be trusted, and that can only mean good things for their revenue stream.
SSAIB
Security Systems and Alarm Inspection Board
Hardly a catchy title, but the SSAIB perform a very important service. As much as a security firm being a little lazy can cause problems, it’s arguable that an alarm or security system that isn’t up to snuff can lead to even more costly mistakes. The SSAIB performs regular checks on their members systems, including electronic security, fire alarm systems, and any other security system.
Again the benefits are obvious. The trust that comes along with such accreditation will help customers to trust the company in question. Combine recommendations from all three bodies, and security firms will find it much easier to attract new clients.
Image Credits
BSIA Logo – http://www.securitynewsdesk.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/02/BSIA-Logo1.jpg
NSI Logo – http://www.saturnsecurity.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/nsi-new-logo.bmp
SSAIB Logo – http://innovation.gb.net/site/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/SSAIB_logo_CMYK-300×268.jpg