The new inspectorate, now numbering 1,300 companies on its combined books, has pledged greater support for its installers while promising minimal disruption to the inspection regime.
The move follows months of speculation on the UK inspectorate set-up which has been confusing for customers, the insurance industry and the police who had found it difficult working out the differences between each organisation.
Now the choice is NACOSS, now part of the NSI (see page 10), or the new inspectorate, a far less confusing situation.
The merger was a natural consequence of the three inspectorates having the common goal of supporting the ACPO/ABI sector scheme by being accredited by UKAS, the government recognised accreditation body.
Rigorous inspections
The new inspectorate will maintain "a rigorous inspection regime based on the best practices of each of the inspectorates." An independent report last year suggesting that all the inspectorates (including NACOSS) could join together as a "super inspectorate" generated concerns about a monopoly situation.
But the merger, says the new inspectorate, overcomes monopoly fears and creates a situation where installers can join an organisation "appropriate to their needs".
Rob Armstrong, responsible for business development, told Security Installer that installers will experience few changes :"It’s unlikely they’ll have a change of inspector because the companies have developed continuity in relationships. We are trying to co-ordinate the different approaches to inspections. Any changes that companies notice will be for the better." By adopting the best ptractices from the three inspection regimes of the former organisations, the standards would be raised overall. He added there would be no increase in annual charges to installers.
All three offices would continue operating and there would be no changes in office/inspection staff. New Chief Executive is Geoff Tate, Financial Controller is Ron Grief and Terry Thorpe is responsible for Regulation.
Armstrong said good relationships had been built with NACOSS in recent times and the new inspectorate was "happy to work with them".
More insurance work
The new inspectorate’s UKAS accreditation met the minimum requirements for insurance and it was up to individual installers to satisfy the insurance companies’ individual requirements.
"This will increase their standing for insurance. It’s a positive move for everyone involved." Installation companies themselves, however, are always less inclined to be diplomatic about the "competition" between the inspectorates.
Said one SSAIB installer, John Hibell, proprietor of Kultronic Systems, Liverpool: "This is a good move to stand up to NACOSS. They’ve had a free run. SSAIB have never been an MOT inspection wanting to fail you. Our inspector’s helping us build our business by keeping us to the standard".
