SSAIB, the UK’s leading certification body for organisations, has unveiled a range of new initiatives for the coming year. These include further enhancements to its new website, an easier online application system, and an electronic auditing package.
The upcoming moves, announced by SSAIB Chief Executive Geoff Tate, follow a bumper 2012, with the number of SSAIB-registered organisations approaching a record 1500. These include companies providing electronic security, intruder alarms, manned protection and fire detection systems, as well as new services such as telecare systems for the social alarms sector. SSAIB is the only certification body to have gained UKAS approval for its Telecare Services Scheme, introduced last autumn.
Geoff Tate has previewed upcoming changes to SSAIB’s expanding website services, with features designed to improve functionality for visitors and importantly reduce its registered firms’ costs. An online application system is intended to make it easier for firms to apply for registration and enhance SSAIB’s applications processing. A new electronic auditing package has also been developed to reduce the volume of paperwork and SSAIB auditors will be equipped with a hand-held device allowing checklists and audit reports to be completed more quickly and easily.
“Responding to demand driven by the number of ‘void properties’ currently requiring security, our recently introduced Temporary Alarm Systems scheme has already caught the eye of insurance companies, a number of which have expressed interest in the scheme,” adds Tate. “Some have already begun specifying the scheme to their clients supplying protection for void properties.
“Another exciting new scheme is our BAFE SP 205 certification service. This scheme deals with the certification of companies or individuals carrying out fire risk assessments and we have already presented the first company with its certificate. SSAIB is also now reaping the sound business benefits of its move into a new office in 2012. The acquisition of a freehold premises in Whitley Bay, near Newcastle, was completed at a competitive price, in the face of rising rent for its previous leased facilities, and means SSAIB’s accommodation has been expanded, but with costs that are now fixed – further good news for our registered firms.”
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www.ssaib.org
