What are the COP 119 and BS 10119 requirements? A UK guide

Many UK security firms use extra staff. For example, they need them for events, busy seasons, and large sites. This is where COP 119 and BS 10119 matter. First, COP 119 is the older code for labour providers. Next, BS 10119:2026 is the new British Standard that replaces it. Both aim to keep staff supply safe, legal, and well managed. However, the change has confused many firms. Therefore, this guide explains COP 119 and BS 10119. Also, you will learn the requirements, the key differences, and the steps to get ready.

What Are COP 119 and BS 10119?

COP 119 and BS 10119 are standards for the “provision of labour”. This means supplying staff to the security and events sectors. In addition, they set the rules that a labour provider must follow. First, the rules protect clients. Next, they protect the workers. Finally, they build trust across the industry. In short, both standards answer one question. Can this company supply good staff in a safe and legal way?

What Is COP 119?

COP 119 is a Code of Practice for labour supply in the UK security industry. Moreover, it covers companies that provide extra staff to security firms or event teams. Certification bodies audit companies against it. As a result, a company that passes earns certification. Besides this, there is a higher level called COP 119 Plus. According to FFCert, it adds checks against BS 7858 and BS 10800.

COP 119 helps you control:

• Staff supply to other firms
• Training and records
• Screening of workers
• Fair and lawful business practice

What Is BS 10119?

BS 10119:2026 is the new British Standard for this area. Its title is “Provision of labour to the security and events sectors – Code of practice”. Also, BSI published it on 30 June 2026.  It builds on COP 119. However, it is now an official British Standard. As a result, it carries more weight across the industry. Certification bodies such as NSI and Amtivo now audit against it. Moreover, they have started moving their existing clients across.

Why COP 119 and BS 10119 Matter for Security Companies

The UK security sector has strict rules. In addition, labour supply carries high risk. For example, poor checks or poor training can cause real harm. Because of this, clients want proof. Indeed, a certificate shows that your company works to a clear standard. Furthermore, certification helps you win work. In fact, many buyers now ask for it in tenders.

Rules Behind Security Labour Supply

The UK regulates security work. First, the Private Security Industry Act 2001 sets the base. It also created the Security Industry Authority (SIA). Most door supervisors and guards need an SIA licence. Therefore, a labour provider must check licences carefully. Also, security staff need background screening. For this, BS 7858 sets out checks on a person’s history. COP 119 and BS 10119 sit on top of these rules. As a result, labour providers manage them well.

Why Clients Ask for Certification

Clients carry risk when they use supplied staff. For instance, if a worker has no licence, the client can suffer too. So, buyers want proof before they sign. Certification gives them that proof.

Here is why it helps you:

• It builds trust fast
• It supports your tender answers
• It shows strong control of your staff
• It sets you apart from weaker rivals

What are the COP 119 Requirements?

COP 119 asks a company to prove good control. For this reason, auditors look at paperwork and real practice. Above all, they want to see that your system works every day. Below, we split the requirements into three parts.

Which Companies Need COP 119?

COP 119 applies to firms that supply labour. For example, this includes agencies that provide guards, stewards, and event staff. It also covers security companies that pass work to other suppliers. In other words, if you supply or use extra labour, it matters to you. Small firms count too. Indeed, size does not change the need for good control.

Main Areas COP 119 Covers

The code looks at how you run your business. Key areas include:

• Company structure and legal status
• Insurance and premises
• Staff training and induction
• Staff screening and records
• Contracts and supplier checks
• Complaints and improvement

Each area needs clear written procedures. Furthermore, you must show that your staff follows them.

What Documents Does COP 119 Need?

Auditors do not accept promises. Instead, they want evidence. Moreover, strong evidence is clear, current, and easy to find.

Typical evidence includes:

• Insurance certificates
• Training records
• Screening files
• SIA licence checks
• Supplier agreements
• Audit and review notes

Therefore, keep these records tidy. As a result, your audit will run smoothly.

What are the BS 10119 Requirements?

BS 10119 keeps the core ideas of COP 119. However, it adds more detail in some areas. Also, it changes the wording of some clauses. If you already know COP 119, you will know much of it. Even so, you must check each clause.

Training and Induction Under BS 10119

Training is one area where real change matters. First, NSI notes that BS 10119 sets minimum induction training rules. Second, it adds extra rules linked to the contractor’s site. So, a quick chat on day one is not enough. Instead, you need a clear induction with a clear record.

Make sure you:

• Plan the induction content
• Cover site-specific details
• Record who attended
• Review your training often

Insurance and Premises Under BS 10119

Insurance and premises appear again in the new standard. According to NSI, the wording has changed. However, the core needs stay the same. You still need valid insurance for your work. Likewise, you need a proper business address and suitable premises. Therefore, check your policies today. Next, confirm that they match your real activity. Finally, make sure your cover is in date.

Records and Staff Checks Under BS 10119

Records stay a key part of the standard. For this reason, you must keep staff files and keep them well. Staff screening also remains important. In fact, BS 7858 is still the main reference for security screening.

Keep these items ready:

• Screening results
• SIA licence details
• Training proof
• Right-to-work checks
• Retention records

Good records protect you in an audit. They also protect you in a dispute.

COP 119 vs BS 10119: Key Differences

The two standards are close. Still, there are clear changes. For example, NSI has issued a technical bulletin that compares them. Moreover, the new standard removes some references to legal requirements. This happens because BSI does not repeat the law in its standards. However, you must still follow the law.

Who Needs COP 119 and BS 10119?

Not every business needs these standards. Still, many UK firms will gain from them. In fact, your role in the supply chain decides the need.

Labour Providers

If you supply staff, this is your standard. For example, clients may ask for it before they hire you. Moreover, your rivals may already hold it.

Security Companies Using Subcontractors

Many guarding firms use extra labour at busy times. Because of this, they carry risk. Therefore, check that your suppliers meet the standard. Also, you can hold certification yourself. As a result, you show that you manage your supply chain well.

Event Organisers and End Clients

Event organisers hire large teams for short periods. For this reason, poor staff control can ruin an event. So, they often choose certified suppliers. Therefore, if you serve this market, certification can open doors.

How to Get Ready for COP 119 and BS 10119

Preparation takes time, so start early. In addition, a clear plan makes the process simple.

Step-by-Step Process

1. Check which standard you hold now.
2. Get a copy of BS 10119:2026 from a licensed outlet.
3. Run a gap check against each clause.
4. Update your policies and forms.
5. Train your team on the changes.
6. Collect your evidence in one place.
7. Book your audit with a certification body.

After that, fix any issues the auditor finds. Then you can keep your certificate.

Which COP 119 and BS 10119 Mistakes Should You Avoid?

Many firms make the same errors. For instance, avoid these:

• Waiting until the last month
• Using old COP 119 forms
• Keeping weak training records
• Ignoring supplier checks
• Skipping the gap check

What Are the Risks of Skipping COP 119 and BS 10119?

BS 10119 is a voluntary standard. Therefore, no law fines you for not holding it. However, real business risks exist. First, you may lose contracts. In fact, many buyers demand certification. Second, your old certificate will expire. For example, NSI says it will withdraw NCP 119 after a 12-month transition from 30 June 2026. Meanwhile, certification to NCP 119 can continue until 30 June 2027, if audits go well. Third, your reputation may suffer. Indeed, clients trust certified firms more. Also, remember that SIA licensing rules are law. Therefore, you must follow them, whatever standard you hold.

How BizGrow Holdings Can Help

BizGrow Holdings Ltd is a UK consultancy. They help security companies gain accreditation. Now, they also support firms that move from COP 119 to BS 10119. Their team knows how audits work.

Accreditation and Certification Consultancy services include:

• COP 119 and BS 10119 gap checks
• Policy and procedure writing
• Staff training support
• Evidence file preparation
• Mock audits before the real one
• Help during the audit

Moreover, we support related standards. For example, these include BS 7858 and BS 10800.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can a small company get BS 10119 certified?

Yes, company size does not matter. However, small firms must show the same good control as large ones. In fact, a simple, clear system often works well for them.

Do I need BS 7858 as well?

BS 7858 covers security screening of staff. For this reason, many labour providers use it for their checks. Therefore, ask your certification body what applies to you.

How often will an auditor visit?

Certification bodies audit on a regular cycle. Usually, this happens every year. In addition, each audit checks that you still meet the standard.

Can I still use my COP 119 certificate?

For now, yes, in many cases. For example, NSI allows its COP 119 scheme to continue until 30 June 2027, if audits go well. However, after that, you will need the new standard.

What if I fail an audit point?

The auditor records a nonconformance. Then, you fix the issue within an agreed time. After that, the auditor checks your fix.