SSAIB News

SSAIB are the first UKAS-accredited third-party certification body for security to confirm their attendance at the brand new SiX security event, taking place this November.

Being held at EventCity in Manchester on Tuesday November 5 and Wednesday November 6, the SiX security event organisers state that it “has been created in response to the rapidly evolving technological landscape; new and emerging technologies have allowed integrators and installers to adopt a range of new working practices, enabling the delivery of flexible and advanced solutions. This event will focus on maximising the impact of the latest innovations in today’s solutions.”

Supported by IFSEC International organisers UBM, the two-day exhibition will also incorporate the annual PSI Premier Awards dinner on the evening of November 5.

Discussing SSAIB’s decision to exhibit at the initial SiX event, sales and marketing manager Andrew Brown explained: “Over the last 25 years, the SSAIB has maintained its position as a name to trust for certification and support. We see SiX as a fantastic opportunity to engage with installers to discuss standards and regulations and how we can raise the professionalism of the security industry.

“We invite all of our members to come to Manchester in November for the inaugural event.”

For more information on SiX security event and details on how to register, please visit https://sixevent.co.uk

SSAIB are delighted to support a new video promoting third-party certification created by BAFE, the independent register of quality fire safety service providers.

The video - entitled What is Third-Party Certification? - has been created to act as an educational tool for the end-user audience and can be viewed below.

After the devastating Grenfell Tower fire - and following the Independent Review of Building Regulations and Fire Safety by Dame Judith Hackitt - there has been an increased focus acting on fire safety responsibilities ‘so far as reasonably practicable’.

This emphasises the responsibility of the person appointed for fire safety within a building and actions they can take to minimise fire risk to the best of their ability, in accordance with national fire safety legislation and Government guidance.

BAFE marketing manager Frazer Wisniewski comments: “With the growing attention the fire industry has been understandably receiving, it is important to educate this wider audience on the importance of third-party certification. With a greater understanding, we aim to help drive demand for third-party certificated fire safety service providers.

"Until there is a clear legislative definition of competency for these specific services, we believe that UKAS-accredited third-party certification is the best independent evidence of competency within the fire safety industry.”

Stephen Adams, BAFE chief executive, added: “First and foremost, we encourage people to specify UKAS-accredited third-party certificated providers in the interest of life safety. We anticipate a much stronger emphasis on competency by Government and the Fire and Rescue Services in the future landscape and third-party certification will be a key element of this.”



Third-party certificated companies must successfully complete stringent and regular assessments, to ensure they can suitably perform specific services. By specifying this certification as a requirement demonstrates you have taken constructive action to find a competent provider.

SSAIB chief executive Alex Carmichael has been confirmed as one of the speakers at the first Security Twenty19 event of the year.

Alex will be in attendance at ST19 Birmingham at the Hilton Metropole hotel on Thursday February 21 to discuss the latest SSAIB developments, focusing on the certification body’s 25th anniversary – as well as briefly touching on the Surveillance Camera Code of Practice during his 25-minute talk, prior to the Surveillance Camera Commissioner Tony Porter’s presentation at 11:45am.

For anyone wishing to hear Alex’s speech, the SSAIB's CEO will be the first speaker on at 10:05am – following the introductory welcomes from Professional Security’s managing director Roy Cooper – Security Twenty19’s organiser - and G4S’ Michael White.

For more information on ST19 Birmingham and to find out how to book your place, please visit https://www.professionalsecurity.co.uk/security-events-and-conferences/security-twenty-home/birmingham/

SSAIB-registered firms in the North West and the North East of England are now able to secure their places at their local regional meetings – as the registration periods for both events are now open.

Texecom’s Haslingden headquarters will play host to the North West meeting on Wednesday March 6, before SSAIB welcome the North East attendees to their head office in West Monkseaton on Tuesday March 19.

Chief executive Alex Carmichael will start proceedings at both events with an SSAIB update, as the certification body celebrates their landmark 25th anniversary in 2019. He will be also be joined by technical manager David Roscoe, who will give a standards update to those in attendance.

North West hosts Texecom will also be at both events to discuss their latest developments, while manufacturers CSL (North West) and BT Redcare (North East) will round off proceedings with a showcase of their latest products and services.

Anyone interested in attending any of these meetings can simply book a place online, using their Registered Firms log-in for the SSAIB website. Alternatively, phone 0191 296 3242 and ask to speak to Andrew - in order to be added to your preferred meeting.

SSAIB are honouring 25 years of excellence with a series of celebrations throughout 2019.

Formed in 1994, the Security Systems and Alarms Inspection Board (SSAIB) has continuingly sought to maintain the highest of standards and are proud to have reached such an historic landmark as the leading certification body for organisations providing security systems and services, fire detection and alarm systems, telecare systems and services, manned security services and monitoring services.

As well as unveiling a special SSAIB logo to commemorate reaching the landmark 25-year milestone, various special events will be held throughout what is set to be a massive year for the organisation.

After enjoying a hugely successful IFSEC 2018 thanks to their exclusive SSAIB Ice Bar, the technical inspectorate will once again be returning to the ExCel in London with another bar for this year’s showpiece security exhibition. The SSAIB Lounge will be welcoming anyone and everyone attending IFSEC 2019 – held between June 18-20 – to join in with the SSAIB 25 celebrations.

The SSAIB Lounge will also play host to the unveiling of this year’s Women in Security Awards on the second day of IFSEC 2019 – as SSAIB have been named as the host of this year’s event that recognises the achievements of females working within the security sector.

Taking place on Thursday September 12 aboard the Dixie Queen riverboat in London, the WiS dinner/dance cruise along the River Thames will also act as the main birthday party celebration for SSAIB 25.

That maritime theme will also be prevalent earlier in the year as well – as a small function for SSAIB staff will see head office, auditors and board members take in a boat trip along the River Tyne in May, finishing with some commemorative SSAIB 25 photos on Newcastle Quayside.

Sales and marketing manager Andrew Brown – who is almost an ever-present at SSAIB, having worked for the organisation for the last 22 years – has been responsible for the planning of SSAIB 25 and he is delighted with the final outcome.

Andrew commented: “SSAIB have always prided ourselves on being a helpful, friendly certification body that still maintains professional standards and it’s great that we’ve been able to achieve that for 25 years now. We set out believing in installers being able to have a choice of inspectorates and that ethos has allowed us to establish SSAIB in a field where others have tried and failed.

“Having worked at the organisation since 1997, it’s been fantastic to see SSAIB grow into the fantastic success that it is today. Therefore, it’s only right that we reflect on the achievements we’ve had so far and celebrate reaching a quarter of a century of certification.

“The SSAIB Ice Bar was a runaway success at IFSEC last year - despite us going into the event uncertain about exactly how it would go for us, to be honest – so it made sense to return this year with the SSAIB Lounge. Being able to tie that in with the launch of the Women in Security Awards is great as well, what with that event being a joint celebration for SSAIB 25.

“We’ve also unveiled the new SSAIB 25 logo for 2019, which will also be added to a number of commemorative items of merchandise that we will be handing out at all of our exhibition appearances over the next 12 months.

“All in all, I’m sure it’s going to be an exciting year for SSAIB and a fitting tribute to what has been a fantastic achievement for all involved over the last 25 years.”