New Contract Quality Marque Aims To Raise Security Guarding Standards

The National Security Inspectorate (NSI) is leading a drive to further raise security guarding standards with the launch of the Contract Quality Marque scheme.  This unique scheme is designed to show that individual contracts for security guarding have achieved a higher standard than those currently recognised in the industry. The scheme criteria incorporates and builds on those already required for achieving ISO 9001 and the relevant British Standards 1, with the prerequisite that the company is a Security Industry Authority Approved Contractor.

The Contract Quality Marque scheme is being supported by the British Security Industry Association, Skills for Security and other key industry representatives and is designed to demonstrate to customers that the security officers contracted to them receive the benefits of improved terms and conditions, including training and development opportunities. The Contract Quality Marque can also provide a benchmark for tender documents and provides assurance that contracts are being set to the highest standards available.

The scheme will include out-of-hours site inspections that will be conducted by the Security Watchdog. Managing Director, Terry O'Neill, stated, "I am very pleased to be working with NSI on this initiative. Combining the Security Watchdog's experience in conducting unannounced visits with NSI inspection delivers a robust regime that will benefit all concerned."

Andrew White, NSI's Chief Executive commented, "NSI's Guarding Gold scheme focuses on meeting a high level of established standards. We recognise that the better security guarding companies wish to differentiate themselves further by meeting even higher standards. We are therefore pleased to be working with key industry players in realising this desire for differentiation and hope the new scheme will provide a higher benchmark for all companies and their customers to aspire to."

For further details visit www.nsi.org.uk