ACS: The Seven Criteria and Assessment Process

Criterion 1 – Strategy

An SIA approved contractor has clear strategic direction enabling it to deliver value to all stakeholders. The SIA approved contractor can demonstrate that it:

• 1.1 has a coherent plan and approach to business
• 1.2 has clear mechanisms for improving the standard of service delivery
• 1.3 handles internal and external communications effectively
• 1.4 actively manages the impact of its services on society and the environment
• 1.5 measures and improves on performance against key indicators

Criterion 2 – Service delivery

An SIA approved contractor has robust processes in place that ensure service delivery to its customers and stakeholders. The SIA approved contractor can demonstrate that it:

• 2.1 has in place effective service delivery processes
• 2.2 has a plan to ensure continuity of service delivery
• 2.3 identifies and responds appropriately to what customers require of a security service
• 2.4 monitors and manages service delivery to both customers and consumers in a consistent manner
• 2.5 monitors internal processes, taking appropriate action to make improvements, when necessary
• 2.6 measures and improves performance against key customer and consumer indicators

Criterion 3 – Commercial relationship management

An SIA contractor promotes robust and transparent commercial relationships with its customers, consumers and suppliers founded on mutual trust and respect. The SIA approved contractor can demonstrate that it:

• 3.1 implements responsible trading practices in its procurement of goods and services
• 3.2 offers professional advice to its to customers and potential customers on appropriate services
• 3.3 manages customer relationships in a professional manner
• 3.4 manages consumer relationships in a professional manner
• 3.5 measures and improves customer perceptions of its organisation, its people and its services

Criterion 4 – Financial management

An SIA approved contractor is financially viable with sufficient resources to meet its current and future obligations. The SIA approved contractor can demonstrate that it:

• 4.1 has sufficient and suitable financial resources to manage its financial obligations
• 4.2 uses robust processes to manage finances and associated risks
• 4.3 understands the marketplace and has financial plans to meet or change its strategic direction
• 4.4 measures and improves performance against key financial indicators

Criterion 5 – Resource management

An SIA approved contractor has sufficient technical resources to sustain its business meeting the relevant industry standards. The SIA approved contractor can demonstrate that it:

• 5.1 uses effective management information systems for all aspects of its business
• 5.2 that it has sufficient and suitable premises, procedures and equipment to conduct business effectively
• 5.3 measures and improves performance in the management of resources

Criterion 6 – People

An SIA approved contractor develops and implements plans to ensure its people are suitably trained, developed and cared for. The SIA approved contractor can demonstrate that it:

• 6.1 manages its people effectively
• 6.2 deploys competent people
• 6.3 appropriately supports its people
• 6.4 complies with its legal obligations when employing people
• 6.5 measures and improves staff performance and perceptions of the organisation

Criterion 7 – Leadership

An SIA approved contractor has effective leadership

The SIA approved contractor can demonstrate that:

• 7.1 the leaders have the knowledge and ability to lead a security company
• 7.2 the leaders review and continuously improve the effectiveness of their leadership skills
• 7.3 the leaders maintain an ethical business culture
• 7.4 the leaders develop and implement an effective system for recognising and rewarding excellence
• 7.5 it measures and improves the performance of the organisation