The International Professional Security Association (IPSA) has launched a survey to understand the “true value” of the Security Industry Authority’s (SIA) Approved Contractor Scheme, calling on all security professionals to share their thoughts.

The Approved Contractor Scheme (ACS) is a voluntary scheme managed by the SIA as part of its remit to “raise performance standards and to assist the private security industry in developing new opportunities”. It aims to achieve this by putting in place a system of inspection for providers of security services.

As a security industry association, IPSA is often asked by its members, the benefits of the Approved Contractor Scheme, both from a company and an individual viewpoint. The Association supports the drive to raise performance standards and agrees that the scheme has ensured higher compliance across those companies that have embraced it.

You can find out more about the Approved Contractor Scheme, here. 

However, a number of IPSA members have challenged the effectiveness of the voluntary scheme in ensuring the benefits and standards for the front line.

While the ACS has been adopted by several security companies, IPSA wants to find out what the scheme means for the front-line employees. Do they benefit and if so, how? Do front-line employees see/feel the value of being part of an ACS certified company?

Una Riley, CEO, IPSA said, “Your views are important. I would encourage you take part in the survey so that we can get a wide range of opinions that represent the sector’s views on changes security companies and professionals feel should be implemented.

“We also ask that you share the survey with your peers, partners and colleagues to support our vision of achieving the best spectrum of responses for all our benefits.”

You can take the 15-minute survey here. It is open to everyone and IPSA will not only share the findings with the SIA and its members but also make them available to the rest of the industry.