COP 119 was introduced as a UK-specific code of practice within the security industry.
It was developed to provide a comprehensive framework for managing labour supply chains in the security and events sectors, covering areas such as background checks and promoting high standards in labour provision and operational integrity.
COP 119’s popularity stems from its role in helping organisations build trust and reliability by maintaining rigorous screening standards, crucial for services such as manned guarding and event security.
COP 119 requirements focus on ensuring best practices in labour provision within the security and events sectors.
Key requirements include:
COP 119 certification demonstrates that your organisation’s personnel vetting processes meet rigorous standards. It assures clients, partners, and regulators that you consistently conduct thorough and reliable employee checks.
Certification focuses specifically on your vetting procedures. An independent body evaluates your processes, policies, and procedures. If they comply with COP 119 standards, you receive a certification, which must be renewed periodically to keep your organisation compliant.
British Assessment Bureau is a certified COP 119 certification body.
Any company that supplies labour in the security and events sector can seek COP 119 certification to establish and uphold stringent screening standards. This applies to firms offering manned guarding, event security or door supervision services.
COP 119 aids in building trust and reliability by thoroughly verifying employee backgrounds, enhancing the company’s operational credibility as a result.
There are a number of requirements that need to be met by company and staff management during the COP 119 assessment.
To be compliant with COP 119, company management must:
Management must also meet National Minimum Wage requirements, use a PAYE-compliant system, provide workers with terms and conditions of employment, comply with employee rights such as paid holidays and pensions, make sure workers are screened to BS 7858 and implement workplace health and safety policies and training.
The length of a COP 119 assessment will vary depending on the number of security workers in play due to some parts of the assessment being proportionate, such as sampling screen files.
Certification against COP 119 is not mandatory if you’re ACS certified, but it enhances your vetting processes and can further strengthen your commitment to high standards and security integrity.
COP 119 and NSI’s NCP 119 are identical and audited to the same requirements. Multiple accreditation bodies, including British Assessment Bureau have agreed to use the same requirements. Audits and certificates issued by other bodies such as NSI and SSAIB are recognised.
NCP 119 is a code of practice specifically designed for security companies to establish effective personnel vetting procedures. It sets out comprehensive guidelines for security firms to conduct thorough employee background checks and assessments.
Adhering to NCP 119 can enhance organisations’ credibility and trustworthiness, as their security personnel meet stringent industry standards.
This code of practice supports companies in maintaining high levels of security and operational integrity across various security services, including manned guarding and event security.
