Given the unprecedented circumstances, to provide further support to NSI approved companies during the crisis regular updates regarding COVID-19 will be available here, via our social media channels (Twitter: @NSI_Approved, LinkedIn: search “NSI – National Security inspectorate”) and via Circular Letters accessible via the scheme pages in the approved company Login Area of the NSI website.
The security and fire safety sector is facing unparalleled challenges in this crisis and we recognise NSI approved companies are doing their utmost to protect the public, their customers’ people and property as well as their employees.
The sector is critical in the protection of people, property and assets during the COVID-19 pandemic. In view of the measures in place to help prevent the spread of the disease NSI approved companies are actively working to safeguard the interests of the public, in delivering essential services whilst respecting government guidance on social distancing. Industry stakeholders including SIA, BSIA, FSA and SSAIB are wholly behind the professional private security sector at this time.
“Key Worker” Update:
NSI will continue to liaise with various government departments including the Home Office, the Department for Education, advocating alarm and fire detection system installers and various other expert workers in the sector are classed as “Key Workers” recognising their vital national role in support of the emergency services.
Recent NSI Communications:
- NSI FAQs (NSF 501 Issue 2) for NSI approved Security Systems, Fire Safety companies and Alarm Receiving Centres
- NSI FAQs (NSF 500) for NSI approved Guarding Services companies
- NSI Policy on COVID-19 (During Government Delay Phase) (Rev 3)
- 1st April 2020: NSI Announces Suspension of Audits in April and May 2020
- 27th March 2020: “Key Workers” in Security and Fire Safety – the National Security Inspectorate View
- 24th March 2020: Security and Fire sector Issues Further Call for UKAS-Accredited Approved Companies to be Designated “Key Workers”
- 20th March 2020: NSI Supports Call for Security Guarding and Fire Safety Personnel to be Designated “Key Workers”
“Key Worker” Government Definition:
Currently those companies providing a service to an institution or business classified as critical, e.g. hospitals, social care, supermarkets and the food supply chain, national infrastructure and utilities, and their employees are already designated “Key Workers” as the services they provide are required to enable these public spaces to continue to function safely.
See the full government list of designated critical workers.
“Key Workers” within our industry – NSI View as at 30th March 2020
“Alarm Receiving Centre (ARC) Operators” facilitating Police response to intruder and hold-up alarms are included in the above definition. “Key Worker” status is important to continuing the handling of alarm signals and notifications of confirmed alarms to the Police, ensuring the facilitation of Police response to intruder and hold-up alarms activations.
“Engineers” ensuring correct operation of fire detection and intruder alarm systems are also included in the above definition. “Key Worker” status is important to enable attendance to critical and emergency calls-outs, ensuring essential work can be completed in the public safety interest. It is not a ‘carte blanche’ to conduct routine activity that might contradict government policy on social distancing.
Security Industry Authority (SIA) License Holders
On 26th March 2020 Ian Todd SIA Chief Executive confirmed: SIA license holder “roles essential to supporting law and order, with the potential to reduce demand on policing, also meet the critical worker definition. This would include, amongst other areas, the guarding of empty or closed commercial, retail or office premises; the monitoring of similar through CCTV or other remote means; and the provision of alarm response centres including mobile units.” Read the full update from the SIA
Fire Industry Association
On 30th March: NFCC Chair Roy Wilsher stated “the NFCC certainly sees colleagues in the private sector helping to FRSs going during this time as Key Workers” – More
Fire Protection Association
On 30th March: Fire Safety Personnel Named as Key Workers
NSI Approved Company Circular Letters
These can be accessed via the scheme pages in the approved company Login Area of the NSI website:
NSI 014 20: NSI Response to COVID-19: Suspension of Audits and Assessments in April and May 2020
NSI 013 20: Maintaining ACS Approval during the COVID-19 Pandemic
NSI 012 30: Corrective maintenance response times and preventive maintenance achievement rates in light of the COVID-19 situation
NSI 011 20 (Rev 3): NSI Policy on COVID-19 (during government ‘Delay Phase’)
Industry information sources:
SIA: Latest News: https://www.sia.homeoffice.gov.uk/Pages/Coronavirus.aspx
SIA FAQs: https://www.sia.homeoffice.gov.uk/Documents/sia-covid-19-faq.pdf
NPCC: https://www.npcc.police.uk/
NFCC: https://www.nationalfirechiefs.org.uk/
BAFE: https://www.bafe.org.uk/bafe-coronavirus-latest-news
BSIA: https://www.bsia.co.uk/coronavirus
FIA: https://www.fia.uk.com/news/latest-covid-update-specific-to-the-fire-industry.html
FPA: https://www.thefpa.co.uk/news/news/news_detail.fire-safety-personnel-named-key-workers.html
Fire Sector Federation: https://www.firesectorfederation.co.uk/
IFSEC Global: https://www.ifsecglobal.com/security/calls-on-government-to-clarify-key-worker-status-security-industry/
Professional Security: https://www.professionalsecurity.co.uk/
Government Information:
Please refer to GOV.UK Guidance for latest information and advice:
https://www.gov.uk/guidance/coronavirus-covid-19-information-for-the-public
30th March – Advice for Employers Carrying out Right to Work Checks During the Coronavirus: www.gov.uk/guidance/coronavirus-covid-19-right-to-work-checks
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