Why Accreditations and Certifications Matter When Choosing a Security Partner
February 1, 2026
Selecting a security provider is a risk-critical decision. Security services protect people, property, reputation and business continuity. Accreditations and certifications provide independent, third-party evidence that a provider meets recognised standards for quality, safety, compliance and ethical practice.
Selecting a security provider is a risk-critical decision and one that could prove to be disastrous should the wrong provider be selected. Security services protect people, property, reputation and business continuity. Accreditations and certifications provide independent, third-party evidence that a provider meets recognised standards for quality, safety, compliance and ethical practice.
In procurement and due diligence, accredited companies consistently demonstrate:
At CR2 Security Group, the accreditations we hold are not marketing badges. They are independently audited standards that underpin how we choose to operate and how we deliver security services.
Below, we explain what each accreditation means, why it matters and how it benefits and offers piece of mind to our clients.
The Security Industry Authority (SIA) Approved Contractor Scheme is the only security-specific accreditation issued by the UK regulatory body for the private security industry.
Unlike other certifications, ACS is awarded directly by the SIA – the statutory regulator responsible for licensing, compliance and standards within private security.
To achieve ACS status, companies are rigorously assessed across areas including:
Astonishingly, fewer than 5% of UK security companies achieve and maintain ACS approval, making it a clear and measurable indicator of excellence. Approved companies are subject to ongoing audits and performance scoring, ensuring standards are maintained and not just achieved once.
Why this matters when selecting a security partner:
ACS approval provides assurance that a security provider operates lawfully, ethically and professionally under the scrutiny of the industry regulator. It significantly reduces risk for clients by confirming competence, accountability and regulatory alignment.
You can view our ACS status on the SIA's approved contractor register here Register of Approved Contractors.
ISO 9001 is the internationally recognised standard for quality management, used by over 1 million organisations worldwide.
It requires businesses to:
ISO 9001 is evidence-based and audit-driven, meaning companies must demonstrate consistency, not just intention.
Why this matters when selecting a security partner:
Clients benefit from predictable, repeatable service delivery. Clear procedures reduce errors, improve incident response, and ensure standards are maintained across all sites and contracts.
Safe Contractor is one of the UK’s leading health and safety accreditations, widely required by public sector bodies and large corporate organisations.
Assessment includes:
Workplace incidents and poor safety management are a major source of legal and financial risk for clients and contractors alike.
Why this matters when selecting a security partner:
A Safe Contractor-approved provider demonstrates that health and safety risks are actively managed, protecting employees, the public, and clients from avoidable incidents and liabilities.
SSIP is a recognised framework that confirms a company meets core health and safety standards accepted across multiple procurement schemes.
It eliminates duplication by ensuring:
Why this matters when selecting a security partner:
SSIP recognition provides procurement assurance and simplifies compliance checks, particularly for public sector and multi-site contracts.
Safe PQQ is a recognised pre-qualification accreditation used by procurement teams to assess a supplier’s suitability before contract award. It is commonly required by large organisations, local authorities, and infrastructure clients as part of their due diligence process.
Safe PQQ evaluates a company’s:
Unlike self-declared questionnaires, Safe PQQ involves independent verification of documentation and ongoing review to ensure standards remain current.
Why this matters when selecting a security partner:
Safe PQQ approval provides evidence that a security provider has passed structured pre-qualification checks, reducing commercial, legal, and operational risk. It helps clients streamline procurement while ensuring they appoint a compliant, financially stable, and well-governed security partner.
The Armed Forces Covenant is a national commitment to ensure fair treatment of serving personnel, veterans, and their families.
By signing the Covenant, organisations commit to:
Veterans are statistically over-represented in the security industry due to their training, discipline, and operational experience.
Why this matters when selecting a security partner:
Clients benefit from a workforce with strong leadership, situational awareness, and decision-making skills developed in high-pressure environments.
The Real Living Wage Employer accreditation confirms that CR2 Security Group pays staff in line with the independently calculated cost of living, not just the legal minimum.
Research consistently shows that paying the Real Living Wage leads to:
In the security industry, high turnover is one of the biggest threats to service quality.
Why this matters when selecting a security partner:
Stable, fairly paid officers deliver better performance, stronger client relationships, and reduced disruption. Paying the Real Living Wage directly improves service continuity and professionalism.
Accreditations and certifications provide measurable, independent evidence that a security provider:
At CR2 Security Group, our accreditations are part of our operational framework, not a marketing exercise. They reflect our commitment to professionalism, compliance and excellence in everything we do.
Did you know, CR2 Security Group are the 'ONLY' accredited Keyholding Alliance member within the following postcode districts, ensuring total piece of mind to buyers of mobile security services.
Don’t leave your business exposed to risk. Our SIA approved security services ensure your premises, staff and assets are fully protected. Contact us today to learn how we can help.
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