When it comes to protecting your home or business from the impact of crime you cannot afford to take any chances. Having a security systems provider that you can trust will ensure peace of mind for you and demonstrate to your Insurer that you have chosen to protect your home or business responsibly.

The SSAIB (Security Systems and Alarms Inspection Board) only certificate companies who demonstrate competence in all areas of their business. Certified providers must also demonstrate technical competence and ethical conduct when it comes to providing alarm or security services for your home or business. SSAIB certification means that as a customer you can be confident in the quality of service provided to protect your home or business from the potentially devastating consequences of crime. Increasingly Insurers require evidence that all reasonable steps have been taken to mitigate risk and ensure the safety of both assets and personnel with the home and workplace. A SSAIB certificated provider will meet or exceed your Insurer’s requirements.

The SSAIB check the following so you don’t have to: Personnel have been security screened to the relevant British Standard. Competence and experience of the management and staff. Insurance cover is relevant to the level and nature of work undertaken. All documentation and records are kept secure. That best practice standards are maintained and that staff are competent to install security systems. That sufficient staff and resources are employed to provide the services offered. Compliance with all relevant British and European Standards and codes of practice. Identity cards are carried.

The SSAIB have a team of skilled assessors that regularly visit companies to check all of the above and the quality of workmanship to ensure that standards are maintained.

The SSAIB advise that as a customer buying a security system you should: Use only SSAIB certificated companies. Always agree a written specification. Ascertain what call out and repair cover is provided. Ensure that you are given a Certificate of Conformity for your system. This confirms that the system has been installed to all the relevant standards. Confirm whether you have bought or leased the system. Have your system regularly maintained; this may be a requirement of your Insurer’s Seek and follow up references. Where Police is required, ensure your provider can obtain a Police unique reference number (URN) for your premises. Without this Police response cannot be initiated in the event of an alarm. Only certified providers are able to obtain Police URN’s.

If you need any further advice, want to verify that a company is SSAIB certificated or have any other queries you can contact the SSAIB on 0191 296 3242 or visit their website www.ssaib.org.