What is NSI?
NSI approval is a highly respected and trusted hallmark in the security and fire sectors, demonstrating technical expertise and a reassuring quality of service. More than 2000 companies hold approval for one or more of a wide range of services including intruder alarm and CCTV system installations, mobile / static guards and key-holding, life safety fire risk assessment, fire alarm and fire suppression systems.
The vast majority of NSI approved companies choose to hold Gold approval which includes in all cases ISO 9001 approval for Quality Management Systems.
NSI approved companies are all subject to a rigorous audit programme annually. They may be required to make improvements e.g. in their operations or competency, or have their approval withdrawn, subject to auditor findings. NSI is the UK’s premier UKAS accredited independent certification body within the security systems, guarding services and fire safety sectors.
What does this really mean?
Essentially, we as a company decided to make things as easy as possible for our existing customers and any potential new customers to act as a barometer for quality when they’re deciding who to use for providing, installing or servicing their security systems.
If you, as a consumer, see that a company has an NSI Gold certification, you can rest assured knowing that the quality of work carried out and equipment used is of the highest and safest standard.
The NSI Gold certification is similar to our MLA accreditation (Master Locksmiths Association, another not-for-profit organsation) which covers the Locksmithing sector of the works we carry out. This includes lock installation, key duplication, lock picking and other methods of gaining entry and ensures that these are all carried out to a high standard and using high quality parts. You can read more about choosing a locksmith on one of our earlier blog posts here.
What is the aim of the NSI?
Buyers and specifiers are reassured their NSI approved security and fire safety providers are reputable and trustworthy with the expertise to translate needs into dedicated solutions.
Many insurers recognise NSI approved companies and the systems they install. Check with your insurer whether having a system installed and maintained by an NSI approved company enables you to receive a discount on your insurance premium. More information at https://www.nsi.org.uk/
What was involved in the audit process?
The audit process involves a representative (or auditor) from the board attending to inspect and review several of our existing security installations to ensure that we were providing a high level of service for all of our customers.
During the audit, the representative reviewed the overall quality of our work; from the way that intruder alarms were wired, the angle and positioning of external cameras on our CCTV installations and the suitability of the system for the site.
The audit also stipulated that all installers within our company hold a valid DBS certificate (formerly CRB) and that they possessed a wide range of knowledge and information regarding the products and systems that we use as well as the criteria of our post-installation service. This includes scheduled and emergency maintenance visits and providing logbooks and installation certificates following completion of works.
Since we have completed this audit process, our NSI Gold accreditation covers our intruder alarm, CCTV, access control and electronic security installations, as well as elements of fire alarm integration with our access control and intruder alarm systems.
Why did we choose NSI?
Rossells has always been keen to promote a good relationship with all of our customers and for them to feel like they are getting the best deal and level of service available for their needs.
Achieving this accreditation is another way for you, as the consumer, to have an insight into the work we do and can feel as though we’re working together to consistently provide the best solution for you. This should also help you see that we’re not just another faceless company wanting to keep a level of secrecy and opaqueness around the works that we carry out for you.
It should be noted that the NSI is a certification body and not a trade association. Without getting too bogged down with the jargon, a certification body does not specifically have “members” but instead has approved firms and companies within its register that comply with its standards and regularly conform to their auditing procedures.
To be a member of most trade associations, you simply need to pay an annual fee. These memberships are commonly offered by manufacturers to indicate which companies supply and use their products but provide no information on the standard to which these products are installed. So whilst they have their benefits and purpose, trade associations are very different to certification bodies.
Furthermore, the NSI themselves are regulated by UKAS (United Kingdom Accreditation Service, not to be confused with UCAS), who operate on behalf of the government to approve certification bodies and ensure that their own procedures conform to the relevant British and European standards in their fields. Consider this as a way of “watching the watchers” and ensuring that they too work to the best interests and to the benefit of the public and the end user.
Why should you choose NSI?
In short, if you choose an NSI accredited company, you know that the works carried will be done so with the utmost professionalism, highest level of quality and transparency every step of the way.
Furthermore, many insurance companies specify that you use an NSI certified company for installations.
An NSI accreditation is not a one-off test either. The audit process is repeated annually to ensure that that same level of care, skill and professionalism is maintained throughout every installation.
If you have any questions about our NSI or other accreditations, please don’t hesitate to get in touch through the contact section of our website, or by giving us a call on (0116) 2628899.
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