A register has been launched for installers and those maintaining electronic security and fire systems who meet certain standards around experience, qualifications and trustworthiness.
The ‘CTSP’ Register, which has been endorsed by the BSIA, SSAIB, SIRA and Tavcom Training, will only include individuals who have demonstrated that they have at least a year’s experience and are suitably qualified in the disciplines they claim to provide services in.
Tavcom, the security systems training specialist, believes the initiative will help customers find reputable, suitably qualified operators and undermine unscrupulous traders.
Installers or integrators that become ‘Certified Technical Security Professionals’ (CTSP) will burnish their credibility and enjoy greater exposure to potential customers by being on the register.
Many in the industry have long lamented the lack of regulation around installation companies and the ease with which many cowboy operators have thrived – to the detriment of reputable operators and customers alike.
“Becoming a CTSP will certainly start filtering out the rough from the smooth and start bringing the level of installation work up to where standards should be.” Lee Dowling, sales consultant, West London Security
“I think this is a fantastic idea for the industry and for the individuals,” says Lee Dowling, sales consultant at installation firm West London Security. “Being able to show your professional skill set to employers and customers themselves will give them much greater confidence in you.
“Having been in the industry for nearly 10 years I have certainly come across some dreadful levels of workmanship which certainly doesn’t match the standards required. Becoming a CTSP will certainly start filtering out the rough from the smooth and start bringing the level of installation work up to where standards should be.”
Criteria
In order to gain certification and a place on the Professional Register for Certified Technical Security Professionals (CTSP), installers or integrators must demonstrate a minimum of 12 months’ practical experience and a minimum level 3 qualification – such as a BTEC/City & Guilds or equivalent – in one or more technical disciplines (like CCTV, access control, fire, intrusion and hold-up alarm systems).
They must also provide two character references and have no criminal convictions for dishonesty, assault or sexual crimes. Registrants are required to maintain CPD (Continual Professional Development) and conform to a strict code of ethics and disciplinary procedure.
“The industry has for many years expressed concerns over the absence of any meaningful controls and problems associated with unqualified installers and maintainers of security systems,” says Kevin Matthew, the registrar and operations director at Tavcom. “We have developed what we believe to be a robust professional register, which will have a significant impact on raising industry standards.
“We are delighted the register has been endorsed by the UK’s largest security association the BSIA and Dubai’s Security Industry Regulatory Agency. Indeed, the register has received overwhelming support from across the industry including the main inspectorate bodies.”
Said David Wilkinson, BSIA’s director of technical services: “We are very pleased to see this innovative register that recognises many of our security systems members. In such a challenging technical environment, it is more important than ever to demonstrate the professionalism of the personnel that represent our market sector.”
The CTSP Register is now available online.
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How about a simple Mot for individuals, that is done on line and can be done anytime so that when work is criticised , and there are many reasons, which include profit to not understanding what has happened before , people who pass a test cannot say they didn’t know. Systems are installed under the guise of regulation , but are designed be those that control budgets or those that know more than the rest of us, it’s only when things go wrong that blame is apportioned to the installer who we are told is fully trained and given everything.… Read more »
good working