Buying security on the cheap can prove costly in the long term. The latest business crime statistics from insurance firm AXA show that the cost of crime is rising. During the first three months of 2006, the average cost of a crime-related business insurance claim increased by 6 per cent, compared with the previous quarter. The survey also showed that theft and malicious damage are the most common type of crime suffered by retail outlets; but arson is the most financially crippling, accounting for 38 per cent of the value of settled business crime-related insurance claims.

The increase in business crime is just one reason why we believe that security should be viewed as a critical service. Shopping centres should seek to forge a more responsible and professional relationship with their security supplier. It is now of paramount importance that security requirements and contingency plans are agreed and negotiated in a co-operative rather than competitive relationship.

In order to raise standards and levels of professionalism within the private security industry, the Security Industry Authority (SIA) introduced mandatory licensing for all contracted security guarding personnel in March 2006. This will ensure that those working within the industry are fit and proper persons who have received adequate vocational training for the role they perform. To date, more than 110,000 security licences have been issued and over 242,000 nationally recognised security qualifications are held. Some 5,114 licence applications have been refused, preventing a significant number of untrained or unsuitable individuals from working in a private security role.

In the drive for consistently higher standards in the provision of security services, the SIA has also introduced the Approved Contractor Scheme (ACS). While licensing is required by law, the ACS is a voluntary accreditation scheme that has become a hallmark of quality for security providers that are able to demonstrate high standards and industry best practice.

The ACS accreditation mark will enable shopping centre managers to distinguish between potential suppliers quickly, accurately and objectively. It will provide assurance that the accredited provider has met a clearly defined and independently assessed set of quality standards throughout their outlet. As a result, shopping centres can be confident that the quality of services they receive and the capabilities of the people deployed under contract meet the highest industry standards.

The ACS Standard encompasses all aspects of shopping centre operations. It takes a holistic view of how well an organisation is managed, how effectively it services its customers and how well it treats its employees. To achieve Approved Contractor status, companies supplying private security services must demonstrate to an independent assessor that they have met a series of requirements covering a range of business and management indicators.

By choosing an ACS-accredited supplier, shopping centre managers can be confident that they are meeting their security obligations. Approved Contractors have been assessed in respect of quality and best practice for areas including recruitment, training, compliance and employment legislation. Security buyers can also expect Approved Contractors to have effective customer-focused procedures to overcome any issues that arise in service delivery. The ACS Standard encourages service customisation, rather than 'off-the-shelf' packages, helping to ensure that the services delivered more closely reflect precise requirements.

The voluntary nature of the scheme also means that Approved Contractors will be highly responsive to change and swift to adopt new methods and best practices. Furthermore, approved contractor status is acknowledged by the police and offers the potential for enhanced working relationships. The aim is to provide practical benefits through 'joined-up' police, business and community initiatives.

The private security industry is stepping up to the challenge by raising standards of provision, but now it's time for business to play its part. The ACS will ensure that employers and staff are protected by a quality private security partner.

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