The Contract Quality Marque (CQM) was developed by the National Security Inspectorate (NSI) with the support of the British Security Industry Association, Skills for Security and industry Stakeholders.
It’s designed to assess a company’s processes and procedures, as well as the security officers’ on site working conditions.
By auditing a company’s performance against a specific site, the CQM recognises enhanced contract criteria (including the ‘softer’ issues that contribute to staff motivation and job satisfaction). This includes prescribed minimum sick pay, personal development plans and improved working conditions.
Wilson James has been working with Linklaters – a leading international law firm – for some years now, with the CQM (which is awarded to both security company and client) demonstrating the true partnership approach forged between customer and service provider.
The presentation was made at Linklaters’ London headquarters. Pictured opposite (from left to right) are: Simon Ghent (Linklaters’ UK security manager), Andrew White (the NSI’s chief executive), Peter Griffin (Wilson James’s security co-ordinator at Linklaters), Stuart Lowden (Wilson James’ managing director) and Alastair Mitchell, Linklaters’ UK chief operating officer.
Standard representing “world class service”
Accepting the certificate on behalf of Wilson James, managing director Stuart Lowden outlined the importance of the award.
“At long last,” explained Lowden, “the industry has a standard that clearly establishes what world class service actually means. Wilson James is proud to be the first UK security provider to meet this exciting new quality marquee, and applauds the NSI and its key Stakeholders in their efforts to raise standards across the industry.”
Alastair Mitchell, the UK chief operating officer at Linklaters, also voiced his opinions.
“Robust and efficient security procedures delivered by motivated personnel are very important to Linklaters,” he said. “The CQM, certificated through the industry’s leading inspectorate, has provided us with the independent verification that our security is being conducted to the high standards we require.”
Mitchell went on to state: “It’s an honour and a privilege to be the first recipients of this award, and it’s also a fitting testament to the hard work and dedication of Wilson James.”
The NSI’s chief executive Andrew White commented: “The CQM builds on the existing industry standards and provides a real differentiator in what is a highly competitive marketplace. I’m delighted to award the very first CQM certificate to Wilson James.”
Further detail on the NSI and the CQM
The NSI, of course, is the specialist not-for-profit approvals and certification body for the security and fire protection industries. It exists for the benefit of its customers and, for nearly 40 years now, has been protecting them by insisting on high standards from its approved companies while at the same time operating the toughest inspection regime.
To find out more visit the organisation’s website (a dedicated link is provided on the right hand panel of this page)
You can also access a link to SMT Online’s original article on the launch of the CQM which contains all of the necessary detail on the scheme
