Security Industry: Approved Contractor Status

Lord Ouseley
asked Her Majesty's Government:

What initiatives are envisaged to encourage the 2,000 security companies which have not sought approved contractor status to do so. [HL82]

The Minister of State, Home Office (Baroness Scotland of Asthal)
The Security Industry Authority (SIA) continues to raise awareness of the approved contractor scheme (ACS) with security companies through its website, literature and campaigns in the trade press. As of 17 November, out of an estimated 2,100 private security companies that are eligible to apply, 816 have requested an application pack and 400 have submitted applications for approval. The number of those approved continues to grow at a higher rate than initially forecast.

The SIA plans to focus on promoting the benefits of the scheme to purchasers during 2007 and to continue running seminars for potential applicants to the ACS to help them understand and meet the requirements of the scheme.

Lord Ouseley
asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether they can indicate which of the 267 companies with approved contractor status are satisfied with the performance of the Security Industry Authority. [HL83]

Baroness Scotland of Asthal
To date, the Security Industry Authority (SIA) has not conducted research to determine the level of satisfaction of approved contractors with the performance of the SIA. During November, the SIA will commence research focused on the level of satisfaction with the approved contractor scheme itself.