PSISeptember2017

www.psimagazine.co.uk
EDITORIAL
More zones, more devices:
Safety devices
Increased security
Building automation
Perimeter protection
Monitoring
Registering value
This month sees the launch of a new scheme
aimed at recognising the skills and standards
of security installers - not the companies they
work for. While we already have third party
approvals aplenty in the industry, this new
idea is well worth a look.
On 1st September 2017, the register of Certified Technical
Security Professionals (CTSP) will be published. The first of
its kind, the CTSP registration scheme will formally
recognise security systems installers and maintainers. (For more
details see the article from Paul Tennent of Tavcom later in this
edition). Successful applicants will appear on the online register
and will also be able to use the CTSP logo on their marketing
materials. It is hoped that the online register will become the goto
resource for end-users, contractors and prospective employers
to verify a person is competent, qualified and has attained the
standard of a CTSP.
The main disciplines covered by the register are: Video
Surveillance Systems (formerly CCTV), Access Control, Intruder
and Hold up Alarms and Fire Alarm systems. Each field of
competence is listed on the register against the registrant’s
profile, showing they are qualified to carry out work within that
specified field.
It will be interesting to see how the register is received by the
industry. On one hand you can see the value for both installers
and their customers in having a resource which lists individuals
that have passed muster rather than the companies they work for
being approved. After all, as an employer you are likely familiar
with a member of staff who didn’t quite turn out as expected
despite their working history. On the other hand this will be
another scheme that requires payment and although not close to
being a bank breaker it may initially make people wait and see
how the register grows before commitment, especially from some
who may already have third party approval or accreditation from
an already established body.
What this will do however is perhaps make people think twice
about the sheer number of schemes which exists that promise
work for being a ‘registered’ member or ones that don’t appear to
stand for much except a money making operation which is no
more than a web-based directory. There may be quite a few of
you who have had your fingers burned by such a scheme and the
news of another programme will probably result in a roll of the
eyes. Yet there is something in the CTSP that should make you
take a look at it.
First of all look at those organisations behind the idea and
secondly think about what the scheme represents for your
customers and the credo it could give your team compared to a
programme that exists only to take your money.
At PSI we’re all for ideas that improve the professional status
of the industry and while you might be an initial eye-roller at the
thought of yet another approvals programme, we would certainly
say this scheme warrants consideration.
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Andy Clutton
EDITOR
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