The Security Industry Authority (SIA) has awarded a major digital services contract to Version 1. The IT Service Provider will take over support for STeP, the SIA’s online licensing system, in May 2019.

The Security Industry Authority is responsible for regulating the private security industry in the United Kingdom.  It licenses individuals undertaking designated activities within the private security industry, and manages the voluntary Approved Contractor Scheme, which measures private security suppliers against independently assessed standards.

John Neil, the SIA executive in charge of the re-procurement process, said:

“It is crucial for the SIA that we provide a dependable, consistent, and high-calibre service to the private security industry.  We were impressed by the quality and competitive value offered by Version 1, and also by their understanding of our business and our requirements. Our focus is on service continuity and the avoidance of unnecessary risk, and we will therefore go live with the new service when we are entirely satisfied that it is fit for purpose.”

The SIA’s contract with BT, the original supplier of STeP, is coming to an end on 26 May 2019.  The tender for a replacement supplier was sent out to eligible providers using a Crown Commercial Service framework on 14 June last year.  The new service will conform to UK Government and Home Office IT strategies.

Conor McColgan, Head of UK Public Sector at Version 1, said:

“We are delighted that Version 1 has been awarded this contract to partner the Security Industry Authority in the provision of  an excellent and reliable service to the private security industry. This achievement reflects our ongoing commitment to investing in Digital Government excellence and growth across the UK public sector.  We look forward to working closely with the SIA to bring our IT skills and experience to the organisation throughout the duration of the project.”

There will be no changes to the SIA’s core system, which means no changes from a user perspective. The new contractor will provide the current service, although they will have a brief to modernise and improve STeP over time.

The SIA is committed to providing an efficient and easy-to-use online licensing service, and we look forward to working with Version 1 to take the system forward.