Controlled key access
Agree the custody, authorisation and issue/return arrangements for keys or access devices.
For businesses and property managers
Keyholding &
Alarm ResponseA clear plan when your
security alarm activates.
Agree who holds your keys, who receives an alarm notification and what happens next. USSG provides keyholding and security alarm response arrangements built around your premises.
SIA Approved Contractor: Key Holding · Site-specific instructions · 24/7 support
Keys, access and attendance
Know what happens after the alarm call.
Keyholding provides an agreed way for authorised personnel to access your premises. Alarm response sets out how an activation is notified, assessed and attended under your site instructions.
The two services work together, but their details matter. Before cover starts, agree the notification route, access arrangements, contact list and actions that are authorised.
This is part of USSG’s security and facilities support. If your premises need a continuous officer presence, discuss manned guarding alongside the keyholding requirement.
Alarm attendance
Set the notification route and instructions for attending and assessing a reported activation.
Reporting & handover
Record observations, actions and unresolved issues so your nominated contact knows the outcome.
From notification to handover
How the alarm response process works
The precise actions depend on the activation, site conditions and the agreed assignment instructions.
-
Receive the notification
Use the agreed alarm notification route and confirm the premises and available activation details.
-
Attend and assess
Follow the site instructions and assess conditions. Entry or further action depends on what is safe and authorised.
-
Escalate and secure
Contact nominated people or emergency services as appropriate. Agree any engineer attendance or additional security required.
-
Report the outcome
Record observations, actions, notifications and the status of the premises for the agreed handover.
Attendance arrangements are agreed for your postcode. A universal arrival time is not assumed or promised.
Choose the cover your property needs
One clear brief, with no assumptions.
Keyholding is not continuous guarding
An alarm response arrangement does not mean an officer remains at your premises throughout the night.
Response is not alarm repair
Fault diagnosis, repairs and specialist engineering are separate requirements. Agree who can authorise them.
Resetting depends on the circumstances
Any reset or re-arming follows the agreed authority, system instructions and conditions found on site.
Extra work needs clear authorisation
Define who approves additional attendance, temporary guarding or other work if the property cannot be left secure.
Commercial premises and managed properties
Where keyholding can support your security
Offices & business premises
Agree access outside staffed reception hours and contacts for late-working teams.
Office security services
Shops & retail units
Define alarm contacts and access arrangements after trading or between shifts.
Retail security services
Warehouses & industrial sites
Include gates, delivery schedules and restricted areas in the site instructions.
On-site guarding services
Vacant & managed properties
Keep access permissions and contact details current when a building is unoccupied.
Vacant property inspectionsBefore the first call-out
Set up the access details once and keep them current.
Your site setup checklist
- Premises address, access routes and relevant site hazards.
- Authorised keys or access devices and handover records.
- Alarm notification arrangements and system instructions.
- Primary and alternative contacts with decision-making authority.
- Permissions for additional work, reporting and handover.
Notify us when locks, access devices, alarm settings, contacts or occupancy arrangements change. Use an agreed secure route for sensitive access information.
Approval you can check
Review the provider as well as the proposal.
SIA Approved Contractor
USSG’s approved activities include Key Holding and Security Guarding.
Verify USSG on the SIA register →Ask how your property will be accessed, who receives notifications and how attendance is reported. Company approval does not replace a clear site-specific agreement.
Personnel licensing must match the duties they perform. The SIA guidance on licensing requirements explains the distinction between activities.
Understand the agreed charges
What affects keyholding and alarm response costs?
- Premises
- Postcode, access arrangements and the complexity of the site.
- Service scope
- Keyholding, alarm attendance and any separately agreed visits.
- Call-outs
- How attendance, time on site and repeat activations are charged.
- Additional work
- Who authorises engineer visits, temporary guarding or other services.
Start with your postcode
Keyholding enquiries across the UK
Based in Stockport, Greater Manchester, USSG considers keyholding enquiries across the UK. Coverage and attendance arrangements are confirmed for each property.
Before you appoint a keyholder
Keyholding & alarm response FAQs
What is a keyholding service?
A keyholding service provides an agreed arrangement for keeping or controlling access to keys or devices for your premises. The contract should explain authorisation, issue and return records, and when access may be used.
What does alarm response include?
The agreed service sets out how alarm notifications are received, how attendance is arranged and how observations and actions are reported. Access, escalation and any further work follow the site instructions and conditions found.
Is keyholding the same as alarm monitoring?
No. Keyholding concerns access to premises, while monitoring concerns receiving and processing alarm signals. Confirm the notification route between your existing alarm arrangements and the agreed response service before cover starts.
How quickly can someone attend an alarm?
Attendance arrangements are confirmed for the property and agreed service. Location, access, travel conditions and the incident affect attendance. USSG does not quote a universal arrival time on this page.
Will someone remain on site all night?
Not under a keyholding arrangement alone. Continuous on-site security is a separate guarding requirement. Any additional attendance after an activation must be authorised under the agreed scope.
Can you reset the alarm after an activation?
Any reset or re-arming depends on the system instructions, authority given and conditions found at the premises. An unresolved fault or unsafe condition may require an engineer, a nominated contact or other appropriate assistance.
What happens if the alarm is faulty or the property cannot be secured?
Follow-up action is escalated to the nominated contacts under the site instructions. Engineer attendance, repairs or temporary guarding may need separate approval and charges. These arrangements should be agreed before the service begins.
How are keys and access information handled?
Agree the key custody, access authorisation, issue and return records, and the process for changes during onboarding. Sensitive codes and access instructions should be shared through the agreed secure channel, not placed in a general enquiry.
Does security alarm response replace emergency services or fire safety arrangements?
No. The service described here concerns agreed security alarm response. It does not replace emergency services, fire safety arrangements or specialist engineering. Any different alarm requirement needs a separate scope review.
How do I arrange keyholding with USSG?
Send the premises postcode, property type, operating hours and required support. USSG will review the requirement and confirm the next setup step, including access, notification contacts, responsibilities and charges.