SIA

The Security Industry Authority is the organisation responsible for regulating the private security industry. We are an independent body reporting to the Home Secretary, under the terms of the Private Security Industry Act 2001. Our mission is to regulate the private security industry effectively; to reduce criminality, raise standards and recognise quality service. Our remit covers the United Kingdom.

We have two main duties. One is the compulsory licensing of individuals undertaking designated activities within the private security industry; the other is to manage the voluntary Approved Contractor Scheme, which measures private security suppliers against independently assessed criteria.

SIA licensing covers manned guarding (including security guarding, door supervision, close protection, cash and valuables in transit, and public space surveillance using CCTV), key holding and vehicle immobilising. Licensing ensures that private security operatives are ‘fit and proper’ persons who are properly trained and qualified to do their job.

Our Approved Contractor Scheme introduced a set of operational and performance standards for suppliers of private security services. Those organisations that meet these standards are awarded Approved Contractor status. This accreditation provides purchasers of private security services with independent proof of a contractor's commitment to quality.

Sapphire Management Services UK currently holds SIA Approved Contractor status for the provision of Security Guarding and Door Supervision.

We believe that a professional, regulated private security industry has the potential to become a valuable member of the extended police family, helping to reduce crime, disorder and the fear of crime.

Our Mission, Vision and Objectives

Our Mission – Our mission is to be an effective, fair and efficient regulator of the private security industry.

Our Vision – Our vision is that criminality is reduced and standards are raised in the private security industry so that the public is, and feels, safer.

Our Objectives – We categorise under the following headings:

• Protecting the public – ensuring that only fit and proper people and organisations deliver regulated private security services
• Customer service – delivering services which meet the needs of our customers.
• Delivering value – ensuring we live within our means, obtain and provide best value to our stakeholders.
• Developing our people and organisation – ensuring our staff have the required competencies and skills to perform effectively.

Register of Approved Contractors

Our Register of Approved Contractors lists all of the organisations that have met the requirements for the Approved Contractor Scheme. These organisations have distinguished themselves as being amongst the best providers of private security services in the UK.

The ACS Standard encompasses all aspects of a security provider's operation. It takes a holistic view of how well an oranisation is managed and an approved organisation must demonstrate to an independent assessor, on an annual basis, that it has met defined standards.

Sapphire Management Services UK currently holds SIA Approved Contractor status for the provision of Security Guarding and Door Supervision.