The National Security Inspectorate (NSI) has announced suspension of all audit activity commencing 6th April until 31st May 2020 inclusive, in view of the global coronavirus (COVID19) pandemic.
All approved companies in the security and fire sector are working hard to navigate the COVID-19 pandemic crisis, prioritising the health and well-being of staff and taking necessary steps to support their customers and maintain business continuity. The professional industry is practising social distancing regulation to support customers and end users, and maintaining standards with best endeavours.
NSI audit and assessment suspended
NSI is suspending all audit and assessment activity from 6th April until at least 31st May 2020 inclusive
It is clear some approved companies are under stress or extreme stress, adapting to their immediate situation, and the continuation of NSI audit and assessment activity as the pandemic unfolds is untenable.
In order to best support industry and the approved company community, NSI is suspending all audit and assessment activity from 6th April until at least 31st May 2020 inclusive. This action is taken with the support of stakeholders who understand pursuing a ‘business as usual’ stance serves little purpose and may have adverse consequences in the current extreme circumstances.
Steps to check COVID19 pandemic spread
NSI said in a statement that any NSI approval due to expire before 31st May 2020 will be automatically extended for a limited period, unless evidence dictates otherwise. The statement further said that should individual companies seek audit / assessments in this period, they may contact NSI. NSI operations teams are being furloughed for the period 6th April – 31st May 2020. NSI will resume its activities when, in due course, Government restrictions are relaxed.
Richard Jenkins Chief Executive Officer at NSI, commented, “The COVID-19 situation continues to evolve rapidly and NSI is taking appropriate measures in these extreme circumstances. NSI fully recognises that suspending routine scrutiny of approved businesses facing the challenges of the pandemic is wholly appropriate. We are standing by to resume all audit programmes as and when the current crisis stabilises.”
