What is Third Party Accreditation?
Third party accreditation (or certification) is the formal, independent recognition that a prescribed standard of performance has been achieved. A third party organisation reviews a process, product, system, organisation, person etc.
Why is Third Party Accreditation Important?
Third Party Certification is the best assurance of quality when looking for a provider to help meet your fire safety requirements. It offers independent verification and evidence that a company is competent and working to the appropriate standards and best practice for the specific service you require.
What benefits do I get from using a company with Third Party Accreditation?
Third-party accreditations and certifications are universally used for products and services. This means that you are purchasing quality products, which are designed, installed, commissioned and maintained by competent technicians.
The hard-earned accreditations are not forever, companies have to demonstrate that they continue to work at a suitable and above-board standard with yearly or biannual inspections.
Holding a third-party certificate is effectively a consumer protection schem. It holds that company to account for the work carried out and also demonstrates that you’ve undertaken due diligence by ensuring the system has been provided by a specialist.
What Third Party Accreditation should I look for?
For Fire Alarm Systems you need to look for a company that has achieved BAFE (British Approvals of Fire Equipment) recognition for the Design, Installation, Commissioning and Maintenance of Fire Alarm Systems under their scheme SP203-1. These companies often display the following logo on their websites or documentation.
For Security Systems (Intruder Alarms, CCTV and Access Control) you need to look for a company that has achieved SSAIB (Security Systems and Alarms Inspectorate Board) or NSI (National Security Inspectorate). Companies have to apply separately for each discipline, so a company that has achieved recognition for Intruder Alarms does not automatically have recognition for Closed Circuit Television
Companies will normally display the following logos if they have achieved the correct standard.
You can check for companies in your area using the following links: –