Thatcham has moved to support workshops involved in fitting vehicle security systems following the collapse of the sector’s main governing body, the Vehicle Systems Installation Board (VSIB).

The VSIB, which was funded by systems’ manufacturers and installers’ subscriptions, went into liquidation earlier this month. 

It is understood that the non-profit making organisation, which had been operating since 1994, could no longer cover its cost base.

The collapse left a gap which had to be filled to preserve motor insurers processes, many of which demand proof of correct installation of approved security systems in order to provide cover for a vehicle. 

The VSIB certificate was mandatory for approved vehicle tracking systems.

Thatcham will launch the Thatcham Recognised Installer scheme to enable workshops to continue to provide their customers with evidence of accredited installation of security systems.

In the short term, Thatcham invites installers to become Thatcham Recognised Installers and is provid-ing a mechanism via its website to enable individuals and companies to apply for registration. 

For the immediate future all existing VSIB Certificates of Installation will be accepted by Thatcham. 

In the medium term Thatcham will develop a competency-based Thatcham Recognised Installer scheme and a robust Thatcham Installation Certification scheme. 

Mike Briggs, Thatcham’s vehicle security manager, said its scheme will test the ability of installers in the future. “This needs to be viable and meet the needs of the market and of future legislation which will require evidence of technician competence,” he said.

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