NSI Announces Audit And Assessment Programs Will Resume Effective From 1st June 2020

The National Security Inspectorate (NSI) has announced the resumption of all audit and assessment activity from 1st June 2020, in light of the current Government 'go to work if are unable to work from home' guidance.

Government guidance allows all employers to resume activity in the workplace where appropriate, including professional services that cannot be delivered remotely, such as NSI on-site audits.

NSI’s discretion

NSI recognizes all Government guidance regarding social distancing and health and safety

NSI will utilize a combination of remote audit and on-site audit capability in accordance with guidelines recently issued to approved companies.

The remote audit may be utilized at NSI’s discretion for assessing ‘Management System’ requirements, while on-site audits will gather evidence of compliance with technical product standards.

NSI recognizes all Government guidance regarding social distancing and health and safety during the pandemic, while delivering meaningful certification and approval, putting people first-including its staff, approved companies, and the public.

NSI approvals

All NSI approvals expiring between 1st March and 31st May 2020 were extended for a limited period unless evidence dictated otherwise. Adjustments to audit programs will be made on a case-by-case basis as NSI works proactively with approved companies to ensure audit programs are fulfilled in a timely fashion.

Evidence of non-compliance that is COVID-19 related will be reported in 'Auditor Notes' without recourse to raising Improvement Needs and Observations.

Ensuring protection and safety of everyone

Approved companies will now be in a position to provide NSI with suitable and sufficient evidence 

NSI Chief Executive - Richard Jenkins stated: “As the UK continues its easing of lockdown measures the Security and Fire Safety sector is adapting to operate COVID-safe environments in line with Government guidance, focussing on the protection and safety of staff, customers and the wider public. As such approved companies will now be in a position to provide NSI with suitable and sufficient evidence to award and maintain approval, through a combination of remote and on-site audits."

He adds, “It is clear approved companies are genuinely striving to maintain standards during the pandemic, which NSI will formally be recognizing when audits are delivered.”

NSI Circular Letters

The following NSI Circular Letters have been issued to approved companies and are available via the Company Login Area of its website:

• NSI 020 20 regarding ‘COVID-secure’ sites (all approved companies and applicants).
• NSI 021 20–NSI 023 20 with remote audit guidelines (scheme specific and relevant to Gold companies only).

As a matter of course, all NSI staff are working remotely in line with Government guidance, NSI’s Head Office building remains closed until further notice.