Siemon announces support for the FIA’s Accredited Installer Scheme

One of the network infrastructure sector’s foremost trade organisations, the FIA’s mission is to promote the best possible standards of service and expertise, and represent its members both nationally and internationally. With a growing membership that comprises manufacturers, installers, consultants and end users, it provides a wealth of specialist knowledge, information and support that facilitates the development and use of best practice.

The AIS uses the reduction of risk as a quality assurance driver for the design and installation of fibre optic systems. Its unique risk index is comprehensive, with 15 task groups and hundreds of risk elements for an Accredited Installer (AI) to consider and react to. Members must commit to continuing professional development and are obliged to attend regular technical and standards updates at FIA events in order to maintain their accreditation.

Mike Gilmore, the FIA’s standards director, stated, ‘Installers that apply to join the AIS are assessed to strict criteria and must also commit to a code of conduct, have appropriate commercial insurances, risk assessment procedures and appropriate health and safety policies in place. An AI is obliged to inform its customers about the AIS and its rules, while an arbitration scheme is also in place to deal with any dispute relating to the work or services provided by a member. These rigorous and robust standards mean that AIS members have a reputation for operating at the pinnacle of their profession and are the installation partners of choice for discerning end users.’

Siemon believes that the AIS plays a crucial role in driving up standards – something that benefits the installer community, customers and the industry as a whole. A better quality installation maximises the potential of network infrastructure technology, ensuring that it is reliable, robust, future proof and performs as it should.
‘We are delighted to support the AIS, which sets a new benchmark in professionalism for the industry,’ commented Lee Funnell, technical manager EMEA at Siemon. ‘Its rigorous entry criteria mean that only companies dedicated to excellence are permitted to join, making it totally unique within the sector. Those that are keen to differentiate themselves now have a clearly identifiable and demonstrable way to do so and we will do all we can to promote it amongst our valued installation partners.’