What it Takes to Meet the NSI Gold Standard
The security industry requires strict regulation, and ensuring that your business holds the accreditations that indicate high standards is vital.
Similarly, as a customer selecting a company to carry out security system installation and maintenance at their premises, certification should be the first thing looked for.
Perhaps one of the most important of these accreditations for a security company to hold is the NSI Gold Standard.
What is the NSI Gold Standard?
The National Security Inspectorate (NSI) is the leading standards body overseeing the security and fire protection industries in the UK. Over the last few decades, the organisation has worked to ensure that providers of services in these sectors are fully regulated, carrying out audits of companies across the country and listing them for reference in the NSI Directory.
As a way for businesses to prove their superior working practices, the NSI operates a two-tier awards system that indicates quality and encourages companies to improve standards: NSI Silver and NSI Gold certification.
While Silver approval is tailored towards product accreditation, the NSI Gold Standard incorporates both product certification and the Quality Management System Certification that is relevant to each company’s industry.
These standards cover various internationally recognised certificates, including
- Quality (BS EN ISO 9001)
- Environmental (BS EN ISO 14001)
- Health & Safety (BS OHSAS 18001)
Benefits of the NSI Gold Standard
Becoming Gold Standard certified offers a number of advantages to businesses eligible for the accreditation.
Fundamentally, it provides customers with evidence of high-quality services, products and working practices, but offers other advantages also:
- Shows a close adherence to industry regulations and legislation
- Demonstrates high levels of staff training and development
- Assures customers that inspections are carried out regularly by fully approved auditors
- Shows that all services and work provided is fully insured
- NSI standards are constantly updated to reflect the latest technologies and practices
How is the NSI Gold Standard Obtained?
Before applying for NSI Gold Standard accreditation for your business, you must locate the certification that most relates to your industry from NSI’s list of schemes:
- Electronic security
- Scaffolding alarm systems
- Guarding services
- SIA-approved contractor scheme
- Business licensing
- Cash services
- ARCs & RVRCs
- Fire safety
- Life safety fire risk assessment
- Environmental/health & safety
Each sector offers different accreditation tailored to its needs (the electronic security industry operates on the Systems Silver and NACOSS Gold standards), and certification is obtained through application for the specific scheme.
Every business applying will be provided with a list of the technical requirements that must be met, and regular auditing will be carried out by a professional to ensure that high-quality standards are upheld. Evidence of ongoing improvement of working practices, policies and operations will be looked for during these inspections.
AAI Security Systems
The NACOSS Gold is the NSI’s leading standard for the security industry, covering the design, installation and maintenance of all electronic security systems, CCTV, access control, intruder alarms and more. The standards of ISO 9001 must be met, and evidence of ongoing technical expertise and high-quality working practices must be provided in order to hold NACOSS Gold certification.
Here at AAI Security Systems, we hold full NSI Gold accreditation through the NACOSS Gold standard, demonstrating our commitment to the highest quality products and services across the board.