ISO 9001 and BS 102000 certification
“AIS 2000 held and worked to a non-UKAS accredited ISO 9001 since 2003, but we were keen to move to a UKAS accredited standard and at the same time implement BS 102000. On a recommendation, we chose Mark Pendleton to work closely with us to guide, advise and support us during the implementation.
“It was a challenge to implement a combined project for ISO 9001 and BS 102000, which also includes a requirement for BS 7858. Having Mark on hand meant the process went smoothly. As Mark did the bulk of the work, our team were free to keep the business running as usual.
“AIS 2000 were extremely satisfied with the service and support we received from the consultant and the rest of the Ascentor team.
“AIS were proud to gain their BS 102000 UKAS certification in November 2014 and their UKAS ISO 9001 certification in March 2015.”
Paul Champion, Managing Director
The company
AIS (Accident Investigation Service) was founded in 1994. The company has grown and now employs over 70 Investigators and operates nationwide, including Northern Ireland and the Channel Islands, with its head office in Cardiff.
All the company’s investigators are detectives who have been trained to the highest standard and come with impeccable references. They are all experienced professionals with skills to undertake any type of enquiry, ranging from protracted criminal matters; undercover operations; surveillance; fraud and financial irregularities, intellectual property investigations, asset tracing, financial investigation; fraudulent claims of all kind, national process serving and road traffic accident/ collision investigations.
The challenge
As an active member of the Association of British Investigators (ABI), Paul Champion was keen to help demonstrate how BS 102000 can benefit companies and the industry as a whole. At the same time, Paul wanted to maintain the flexibility to respond to his customer needs as well as achieve a return on his investment.
The methodology
Using the Ascentor methodology, the consultant worked through the BS 102000 standard to establish how the company could most effectively comply with the requirements.
AIS 2000 had successfully maintained a non-UKAS accredited ISO 9001 certification since 2003 but decided the time was right to upgrade to UKAS-accredited certification. As this involves a more rigorous standard of auditing and assessment, a more extensive Quality Management System (QMS) was required.
Ascentor developed an enhanced ISO 9001 QMS for AIS 2000. This provided a core foundation with some additional processes and documents incorporated to satisfy the requirements of BS 102000.
Code of Ethics
AIS had an excellent existing Code of Ethics based on the ethical Codes of the Association of British Investigators and had worked to these for some time, we compared these against the requirements specified within the standard. Our consultant implemented some small amendments to arrive at a fully compliant statement of the company’s standards of operation.
BS 7858:2012 Security Screening of Individuals Employed in a Security Environment – Code of Practice
Another requirement of the standard is for the background screening of staff and sub-contractors who carry out investigation work, in accordance with BS 7858. Ascentor helped AIS establish a formalised procedure for screening, with the supporting forms and records.
The resulting documentary framework and company activities were successfully assessed by IQ Verify in a UKAS-witnessed audit against BS 102000 in November 2014.
The benefits
Achieving ISO 9001 and BS 102000 certification has positioned AIS 2000 at the forefront of the private investigation industry. AIS is looking forward to winning more business from the increased confidence customers have in both the standards to which they operate and the high level of service they provide.
“AIS 2000 Ltd is delighted to be one of the companies leading the way for the investigative services industry with their BS 102000 certification. Our certification provides externally validated proof to our customers of the high standards we maintain. Our customers are pleased that we meet the standard ahead of any statutory requirement.”
