Approved Contractor Scheme (ACS)
A voluntary quality scheme run by the Security Industry Authority for security businesses that meet a published standard.
The Approved Contractor Scheme (ACS) is a voluntary quality scheme run by the Security Industry Authority for businesses providing private security services. ACS-approved companies must meet a published standard covering management quality, training, deployment, conduct, and continuous improvement, with annual independent assessment. Many UK licensing authorities now expect or require licensed venues to engage ACS-approved providers for door supervision. Using ACS providers reduces the venue's own due-diligence burden because the SIA has already validated the firm's management systems.
Key Points
- ACS is a voluntary quality scheme run by the SIA for security businesses.
- Approved firms meet a published standard and undergo annual independent assessment.
- Many licensing authorities expect or require ACS providers for door supervision.
- Using ACS providers reduces the operator's own due-diligence burden.
- ACS membership is held at firm level. Verify on the SIA register.
What the ACS standard covers
The ACS standard is published by the SIA and covers six areas: strategy and planning, business resources, customer experience, business performance, social responsibility, and learning and development. Approved companies must demonstrate they meet criteria across all six. Annual independent assessment by an ACS-approved auditor verifies continued compliance. The standard is benchmarked against the British Excellence Standard (also published by the SIA) which sets out the higher-tier expectation.
Why operators choose ACS providers
Three main reasons. First, due diligence: the SIA has validated the firm's management systems, so the venue carries less responsibility for verifying the underlying business. Second, quality: ACS firms commit to ongoing training, supervision, and complaint handling. Third, licensing: many licensing authorities, particularly in cities with significant night-time economies, expect ACS-approved providers as a condition or prefer them when contested issues arise.
Verifying ACS approval
The SIA publishes the list of approved contractors at services.sia.homeoffice.gov.uk. When negotiating with a security firm, ask for their ACS membership number, when their last assessment was, and what scope it covers. ACS membership is held at firm level, not by individual door supervisors.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the ACS a legal requirement?
No. The ACS is voluntary. However, many licensing authorities expect or require it as a condition on premises licences for late-night venues, particularly in cumulative impact areas. Always check your operating schedule.
How do I check if a security firm is ACS-approved?
Use the SIA public register at services.sia.homeoffice.gov.uk. Approved firms are listed by name, location, and scope of approval.
Does ACS approval mean every individual door supervisor is qualified?
It means the firm meets the management standard. Individual door supervisors still need their own SIA licence, which you should verify separately at engagement.
How often is ACS approval renewed?
Annually. Approved firms undergo independent assessment each year against the published standard.
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