The robustness of the SIA’s Approved Contractor Scheme was enhanced last year when the Home Office agreed amended 'fit and proper' criteria for use when considering applications for Approved Contractor status. This was intended to help prevent approval of so-called 'phoenix' companies that have questionable origins. Since October 2009, any person who was a sole trader, director or partner of a business/firm providing a security service which has been liquidated, or placed in administration or receivership within the previous 12 months, will not be considered 'fit and proper'.

The SIA sought approval from the Home Office for this change after being provided with feedback from ACS Forums and the ACS Assessment Strategy review that the ACS Standard required strengthening to tackle this issue. Similarly the second independent ACS review, conducted in 2008 by the Office of Government and Commerce (OGC), had recommended expanding the assessment criteria of a ‘fit and proper’ organisation. While steps had already been taken to address that recommendation it was recognised that a further opportunity existed to bolster the criteria and address the concerns of the industry.

Several recent ACS applications have now been refused on the basis of the revised criteria and the SIA are confident this additional requirement will help to protect the integrity of the Approved Contractor Scheme.

SIA Website

Bobby Logue - Editor - Infologue.com  1 February 2010