scope:

This Standard provides the principles and requirements for a Quality Assurance Management System (QAMS) for Private Security Service Providers including Private Security Companies (collectively "PSCs") to provide quality assurance in all security related activities and functions while demonstrating accountability to law and respect for human rights. PSCs are organizations whose business activities include the provision of security services, either on its own behalf or on behalf of another. The Standard provides auditable criteria and guidance consistent with the Montreux Document on Pertinent International Legal Obligations and Good Practices for States related to Operations of Private Military and Security Companies during Armed Conflict of 17 September 2008 and the International Code of Conduct for Private Security Service Providers (ICoC) of 9 November 2010. This Standard provides a means for PSCs, and their clients, to provide demonstrable commitment and conformance with the aims of the Montreux Document and the principles outlined in the ICoC, as well as enhance the security and protection of stakeholders.

This Standard provides a framework for establishing, implementing, operating, monitoring, reviewing, maintaining, and improving the management of their products and services. It is particularly applicable for any type of PSC operating in circumstances of weakened governances where the rule of law has been undermined due to human or naturally caused events.

This Standard is applicable to any PSC that needs to:

a) Establish, implement, maintain, and improve a QAMS;

b) Assess its conformity with its stated quality assurance management policy;

c) Demonstrate its ability to consistently provide services that meet client needs and are in conformance with applicable international and national laws, and human rights requirements;

d) Demonstrate conformity with this Standard by:

I. Making a self‐determination and self‐declaration;

II. Seeking confirmation of its conformance by parties having an interest in the organization (such as clients);

III. Seeking confirmation of its self‐declaration by a party external to the organization; or

IV. Seeking certification/registration of its QAMS by an independent and accredited external organization.

The generic principles and requirements of this Standard are intended to be incorporated into any organization's management system based on the PDCA model; it is not intended to promote a uniform approach to all organizations in all sectors. The design and implementation of quality assurance plans, procedures, and practices should take into account the particular requirements of each organization: its objectives, context, culture, structure, resources, operations, processes, products, and services.

NOTE: Consistent with the aims of the Montreux Document, PSC clients should use this Standard when retaining the services of PSCs. PSC clients should use the Standard's management system principles and requirements to conduct their own due diligence and management of services retained from PSCs. Clients should use this Standard to construct their contracting and contract administration process to support conformance with this Standard.