NSI-backed Code of Practice becomes new British Standard

The launch marks an important milestone not only for the security industry, but also for the NSI, whose pioneering work to address long-standing concerns around labour provision has now assisted in shaping a nationally recognised British Standard.

In its original guise, NCP 119 sought to tackle a challenge that has affected the industry for many years (ie the quality and ethics of labour provision). The vision was to ensure those organisations sourcing security personnel could have complete confidence in the supply chain, quality, competence and management of the individuals being supplied to protect their sites, assets and communities.

BS 10119 takes those principles and establishes a clear benchmark for organisations providing security and events sector labour services. In simple terms, it helps buyers to distinguish between providers that can demonstrate robust processes, accountability, ethical practice and quality management and, on the flip side of the coin, those that cannot.

The publication of BS 10119 represents the culmination of years of collaboration between the NSI, industry stakeholders and standards development experts, in turn transforming an industry-led Code of Practice into a nationally recognised British Standard.

Inconsistent provision

Clare Rogers, head of product and technical (services) at the NSI who originally conceived NCP 119 and subsequently chaired the development of BS 10119 through the British Standards Institution (BSI) process, said: “For too long now, we’ve seen inconsistent provision within labour services in the security industry. We’re pleased that our efforts, alongside those of industry colleagues and the BSI, have helped to address that challenge.”

Rogers added: “What began life as the NSI’s NCP 119 has been reviewed, strengthened and developed through industry collaboration to become BS 10119. The publication of this new British Standard is an important step forward for the sector and provides organisations with a recognised framework for demonstrating professionalism, competence and quality in labour provision.”

Richard Fogelman, CEO of the NSI, observed: “The launch of BS 10119 is a significant achievement for the security industry and one that reflects the value of collaboration in driving higher standards. We’re particularly proud that the foundations for this new British Standard originated within the NSI through the development of NCP 119.”

Fogelman concluded: “At the NSI, our purpose is to help raise standards, improve trust and support continual improvement across the sectors we serve. Seeing an NSI-developed Code of Practice evolve into a British Standard demonstrates the positive impact that industry-led initiatives can have when organisations join forces with a shared commitment to excellence.”

Certification schemes

The NSI intends to incorporate BS 10119 into relevant certification schemes in due course, enabling approved companies operating within the security guarding sector to demonstrate compliance with the new British Standard alongside their existing certifications.

The publication of BS 10119 reinforces the industry’s ongoing commitment to improving service quality, strengthening supply chain confidence and promoting Best Practice throughout the security and events sectors.

*Copies of BS 10119:2026 Provision of Labour to the Security and Events Sectors – Code of Practice are available on the BSI’s website

**Further information on the NSI can be accessed at www.nsi.org.uk