Frequently Asked Questions

The Approved Contractor Scheme (ACS) is the UK government-backed quality framework managed by the Security Industry Authority (SIA). 1st National Security Ltd is officially approved under the scheme for Security Guarding The published SIA register confirms our active approved contractor status for security guarding.

Every security officer undergoes exhaustive pre-employment screening compliant with British Standard BS 7858. This includes a full 5-year employment and address verification, criminal record (DBS) disclosure, Home Office right-to-work confirmation, and real-time check of their SIA licence status.

For planned assignments, we carry out a site risk assessment and draft bespoke Assignment Instructions within 24 to 48 hours. For emergency situations requiring immediate response (such as alarm failures, break-ins, or sudden staffing shortages), our 24/7 operations room can deploy uniformed SIA guards within hours across London, Essex, and Hertfordshire. Call 0777 8777327 for urgent requests.

Assignment Instructions are comprehensive site-specific standard operating procedures prepared before security guarding commences. They document visitor entry rules, fire evacuation protocols, foot patrol routes, checkpoint tag locations, keys and lockup procedures, and emergency contact lists.

We use electronic checkpoint verification systems where officers scan NFC/RFID tags along predetermined patrol routes. Every scan records a digital timestamp transmitted to our operations control. In addition, mobile field supervisors conduct unannounced daytime and nocturnal site audits.

Yes. While we provide long-term continuous guarding for commercial facilities, we also provide flexible short-term cover for bank holiday construction sites, vacant property transitions, corporate weekend events, or temporary cover during internal staff sickness.

1st National Security Ltd holds extensive insurance cover tailored to the UK security industry, including Employers' Liability, Public Liability, and efficacy insurance. Copies of our insurance certificates are provided with every tender or quotation.

Pricing is determined by the required officer headcount, weekly shift hours (e.g. 24/7 continuous vs out-of-hours nights), site location, and specific equipment or uniform requirements. We offer fully transparent hourly rates with zero hidden charges for supervision or uniforms.