Sodexo named as first foodservice company to receive security accreditation
Sodexo Corporate Services, which provides food and facilities management services to the corporate sector, has been awarded Approved Contractor Scheme (ACS) accreditation from the Security Industry Authority (SIA) - a first for a company in the foodservice industry.
The accreditation was presented to Sodexo Corporate Services executive director Andy Leach by SIA chief executive Mike Wilson, after a year-long drive to meet the requirements needed to become approved and ensure that all its front-line and non front-line security staff are licensed.
The objective of the SIA's Approved Contractor Scheme is to raise performance standards and to assist the private security industry in developing new opportunities.
The accreditation confirms that Sodexo's Corporate Services business is demonstrably committed to customer service, staff training and the concept of compulsory licensing for all security staff. This means that clients and customers are now guaranteed that every security operative deployed on their premises will have passed the various training and vetting checks set out in the scheme for the security industry.
Sodexo has undertaken a number of activities in order to achieve its accreditation, such as:
. Implementing ISO9001:V2000 quality management systems in all client based security premises
. Achieving ISO9001 certification for BS7499 Manned Guarding, BS7858 Vetting and BS7859 CCTV monitoring
. Partnering / engaging with reputable external partners to provide employee vetting services and ISO and ACS auditing services (Security Watchdog, SGS and NSI respectively)
. Commencing a programme of workshops and communication sessions aimed at raising the internal understanding of security legislation and developing the skills required to support a security offer in a legislated environment
. Appointing a specialist Quality Assurance manager to support the implementation, monitoring and future development of IS0, ensure ongoing legal compliance and act as a expert point of contact for clients
The accreditation is further evidence of Sodexo's commitment to becoming a leading player in the facilities management sector, and gives existing and prospective clients the opportunity to use Sodexo as the company of choice for its security provision.
Andy Leach, executive director, Sodexo Corporate Services, said: “We are delighted to have secured this accreditation and put our support behind the SIA in their drive for compulsory licensing throughout the industry. At Sodexo we strive to create service offers with real credibility that not only meet, but exceed our clients' expectations. We see gaining this accreditation as an essential building block to doing just that within our security operation.”
Mike Wilson, chief executive, SIA, said: “We are delighted that Sodexo has appreciated the value of the ACS, and are extremely pleased that it has been successful in achieving the accreditation”.
