Skip to main content

SBD National Building Approval (NBA)

The scheme provides an efficient method for developers, builders and contractors to attain our SBD Silver Award which recognises the physical security measures incorporated into their development proposals in order to meet building regulations, planning conditions and Secured by Design requirements.

This is achieved prior to construction with members having the option to progress to our SBD Gold Award following consultation with the local police service in the area where the building is taking place.

How it works

Our NBA Silver Award

Once you’re a member all you need to do is simply register a development with us and we’ll issue a ‘Silver Certificate’ to recognise that physical security standards have been incorporated to prevent crime and anti-social behaviour. You in turn could use the certificate in a number of ways, i.e. as evidence of compliance with building regulations, to discharge a planning condition or in your own media and marketing campaigns.

The opportunity to turn Silver into Gold

Many of our NBA members choose to aspire to a Gold Certificate, which recognises that crime prevention measures are not only built into the physical security of buildings but also into the surrounding layout and landscaping too. This is where we use such techniques as maximising natural surveillance, creating defensible space and limiting excessive through movement to keep people safe. However, the Gold Award can only be made after consultation with the local police force in the area where the building is taking place.

How to apply

In the first instance, email:  and we will get in touch with you. 

An officially recognised certificate

Our work with the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government, National House Building Council, Local Authority Building Control and the Building Control Alliance, means that this Silver Certificate can be used by members operating in the housing sector as evidence to discharge their third-party obligations under Part Q of Schedule 1 (Security) of the English Building Regulations 2010 and the Scottish Building Standard 4.13 – Security and Wales (Part Q Security - Dwellings). It also discharges any other obligation placed upon the build by third-parties to gain Section 2 (Physical Security) approval from our range of SBD Design Guides, such as SBD Homes, SBD Schools and SBD Commercial.

Advantages of Membership

Save time and money

Member companies and organisations save time and money because of the faster and simplified process, which takes much of the administrative burden off them.

Evidence to discharge third-party obligations such as building regulations or planning conditions

Our work with the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government, National House Building Council, Local Authority Building Control and the Building Control Alliance, means that SBD’s Silver Certificate can be used by members operating in the housing sector as evidence to discharge their third-party obligations under Part Q of Schedule 1 (Security) to the English Building Regulations 2010 and the Scottish building Standard 4.13 – Security.

Discharge SBD

The Silver Certificate also discharges any other obligation placed upon the build by third-parties to gain Section 2 (Physical Security) approval from the range of SBD published Building Guides, such as SBD Homes, SBD Commercial and SBD Schools.

We can accommodate any kind of developer or organisation

SBD NBA can accommodate any kind of developer or organisation commissioning construction work regardless of market sector.

A one-size-fits-all security compliance solution

Companies and organisations benefit from knowing that a one-size-fits-all security solution is available for their regular and repeated development designs.

Receive a Silver Certificate quickly

Members receive their Silver Certificate quickly and don’t have to wait until the end of the build or worry that an award may not be made. This removes the risk that staff may change during a lengthy process, causing delays and costs.

Police endorsement of security provided within the development

Silver Certificates are a positive endorsement that the police are happy with the level of security provided within the development. Some members display their Silver Certificate in their sales centres, provide a copy within home owner/tenant packs and reference their membership and use of NBA within their planning materials and applications.

Become an SBD member

Companies and organisations become SBD members in their own right and appear on our website.

Use the sought-after SBD logo and marketing materials

Members can use our sought-after SBD logo in their marketing materials to show that they are part of SBD’s Official Police Security Initiative.

Valid for a development anywhere in the UK

The Silver Certificate is issued centrally by SBD and is valid for a development anywhere in the UK and does not require a separate local agreement to be reached with that area’s Police Force.

Choose to go further to achieve an SBD Gold Certificate

Members can choose to go one step further to achieve an SBD Gold Certificate. This would show that they have incorporated proven crime prevention techniques, not only into building security, but also into the layout and landscaping of developments, such as through increasing natural surveillance, limiting excessive through movement and creating defensible space. This additional award is made only by the local Police Force following appropriate levels of consultation.

Current SBD NBA Member Companies

Find out more

To find out if your project could benefit from this scheme, please contact us at