21 Nov ISO 31030
Could you explain what ISO 31030 is and why it is important?
ISO 31030 is a proposed ‘Travel Risk Management’ Standard expected to be introduced next year. The framework for this standard would be contextual to industries and sectors, recognising that different companies operate under different constraints. The proposed standard introduces a system of widely accepted good practice disciplines into the travel risk management function.
The standard compliments the international standard (ISO 31000) for risk management guidance that is used around the world and provides a flexible framework that fits the needs of organizations of all types and sizes.
And what is your role within the development of ISO 31030?
I was invited to join the committee of UK experts six months ago. During my 32 years in the British Police Service, I had responsibility for major event security such as state visits and G20 summits as well as the protection of Royal Palaces, Embassies and UK VIP’s. Specifically, I have applied the experience developed from lessons learnt in reviewing terror attacks on hotels including the Mumbai hotel attacks of 2009 as well as many other major criminal and terror attacks on hotels and other vulnerable sites. I have been able to help include and translate some of the threat considerations and treatment options into the guidance.
What would you say you bring to the committee in terms of your experience and knowledge?
I have extensive experience of how risk and threats manifest and how to organise physical, human and operational systems to reduce or eliminate threat and risk. As a former national lead for police counter terrorism I have gained unique insights into the terrorist threat in the UK and globally.
What are some of the biggest issues in developing the standards? Who does it affect the most?
The standard is directed at travel risk managers who have a responsibility to ensure those sent on business related travel remain safe and secure. Travel Management Companies need to provide comprehensive information to businesses about the security and safety of the hotels they are recommending. It is anticipated this will require corporate travel managers to seek independent or evidence-based verification of a hotel security standards.
The challenge is to develop a standard that can be easily interpreted and applied by travel risk professionals operating in different contexts. The standard needs to apply to those in large and small organisation and across the full range of the travel risk spectrum. Some organisations will operate in low risk activities and countries. Others will be operating in high risk activities and countries and the standard needs to be capable of guiding travel risk managers to take proportionate steps to treat risks which are relevant to their business travel operations. The standard incorporates environmental, transportation and accommodation risks as well as threats from crime and terrorism.
Finally, how will the ISO 31030 standards affect hotel security standards?
ISO 31030 is specifically aimed at helping organizations improve their travel security by agreeing through international consensus what good practice is when it comes to travel risk management. The guidance is being developed by international experts to help travel risk managers understand what they need to be thinking about when selecting hotels and other accommodation if they are to meet the duty of care expected of employers. The ISO guidance helps travel risk professionals understand travel risks in an increasingly complex world and guide them on what the reasonable actions are that help safeguard employees travelling on business. For accommodation providers the standard will help them assess their security and encourage them to provide reassurance to travel risk managers or guests.
