British Standards were first established in 1901 by the British Standards Institution (BSI), the UK’s national standards body.
BSI has developed over 37,000 standards covering a wide range of industries and sectors to promote quality, safety and efficiency. These are regularly revised to incorporate technological advancements and industry best practices.
Recognised worldwide, British Standards provide a reliable framework for organisations across various sectors, promoting excellence and innovation in products, services and systems.
The British Standards specific to the security sector provide detailed guidelines tailored to meet the unique needs and challenges of this industry. Each standard addresses different aspects of security operations for comprehensive coverage:
Achieving British Standards certification shows that your organisation adheres to specific industry standards, reassuring customers, partners and regulators of your commitment to quality and compliance.
Certification involves an evaluation of your processes and practices. If they meet the required standards, you receive a certificate, which must be renewed periodically.
British Assessment Bureau offers British Standards Product Conformity for the security industry in accordance with the regulators’ (SIA’s) principles.
British Standards are a set of guidelines and specifications created to help businesses deliver high-quality, safe and efficient products, services and systems within the UK.
Developed by the British Standards Institution (BSI), these standards cover a wide range of industries and sectors, providing a framework for best practices and consistent performance. British Standards are designed to foster innovation, improve competitiveness and facilitate international trade by aligning UK practices with global benchmarks.
They are used by organisations to demonstrate compliance with industry norms and regulatory requirements, thereby enhancing trust and transparency in the marketplace.
British Standards themselves are not legally mandatory; they are voluntary guidelines that organisations can choose to follow.
However, they often become effectively mandatory when they are referenced in legislation, regulations or contractual agreements. In such cases, compliance with specific British Standards may be required to meet legal obligations, industry requirements or client expectations.
British Standards are set by the UK standards body, the British Standards Institution (BSI).
BSI works with industry experts, government representatives and consumer groups to develop and maintain standards that reflect current best practices and technological advancements. The development process involves public consultation so that the standards are relevant, comprehensive and applicable across various industries.
As a member of international standards organisations, BSI also helps align British Standards with global benchmarks, facilitating international trade and cooperation.
The purpose of British Standards is to establish a consistent framework for quality, safety and efficiency in products, services and systems. They help organisations adhere to best practices, improve performance, and support compliance with regulations.
By providing clear guidelines, British Standards foster innovation, enhance competitiveness, and help trade, both within the UK and internationally.
They also increase consumer confidence by demonstrating that goods and services meet recognised benchmarks, contributing to a safer and more reliable marketplace for businesses and customers.
British Standards are typically reviewed every five years (this can vary) to check their relevance and that they reflect current best practices and technological advancements.
The review process involves industry experts, stakeholders and public consultation to gather feedback and assess the need for updates or revisions. If significant changes in technology, regulations or industry practices occur, standards may be reviewed more frequently.
