Find out why you should apply for ACS approval
A description of some of the benefits of the SIA's Approved Contractor Scheme.
Our Approved Contractor Scheme (ACS) can make your company stand out as one of the best providers of private security services in the UK. It can also give you valuable benefits that you can use in your day-to-day work.
Making your day-to-day work easier
Licence Assist and Licence Management
Our Licence Assist and Licence Management services give you greater control over the licensing of your staff. Any approved contractor can use Licence Assist. However, you will need to meet extra requirements if you want to use Licence Management. You will also need to sign a legal agreement with us.
Read more about Licence Assist and Licence Management
Licence Dispensation Notices (LDNs)
We can give approved contractors permission to use security staff while we are still processing their licence applications. This allows greater flexibility.
Read more about licence dispensation notices
Business opportunities
We regularly tell buyers of private security services about the benefits of using an SIA approved contractor; these include local authorities, government departments, and the commercial sector. We have a register of approved contractors on our website for buyers to check when they are choosing suppliers.
Access contracts that are not offered to other companies
ACS approval is a requirement for many public contracts. For example, any contractor or sub-contractor providing security services under a Scottish Government contract must be ACS approved.
Advertising your ACS approval
Your company will be able to display the approved contractor plaque and certificate in your offices.
You will also be able to add the ACS accreditation mark to your stationery, vehicles, and website. You can buy extra certified copies of your ACS certificate to include in your new business proposals, or to show to existing clients.
When you display the ACS accreditation mark, you will reassure your customers, prospects and employees that they have chosen to work with one of the very best security providers in the business.
You may even be able to use your ACS accreditation when you negotiate with your commercial insurance providers.
Other exclusive benefits
We invite approved contractors to take part in regular regional forums led by us. We set these up to share best practice, talk about topical matters, and to give licensing and other updates. We give approved contractors regular updates about new developments affecting their business and the wider industry.