ISO 31030 – the latest developments

According to International SOS’s 2023 Risk Outlook, 85 percent of senior risk professionals think the world has become more dangerous over the past twelve months. This was the highest percentage reported since the company first asked the question in 2014.

With war on the European continent, protests in China, struggling healthcare systems, and an expected slowdown of the economy, this is probably a fair reflection. Yet awareness of ISO 31030 – the new international standard for travel risk management – remains low among professionals responsible for travel safety and security.

At the recent APAC Travel Summit in Bangkok, our commercial director, Lee Whiteing, asked an audience of travel buyers and travel managers who was aware of ISO 31030. Just three people raised their hand.

How can we improve awareness around ISO 31030?

ISO 31030 was rolled out last November, making it a relatively new standard. It is currently a Type B standard, which means it is a guidance standard, not a specification standard, and it lays out recommendations rather than requirements. However, experts project it will graduate to a Type A standard soon, putting those organisations that do ignore it at risk.

Ignore at your own peril

The advice is now written in black and white. According to leading UK law firm, Peters & Peters, failing to acknowledge ISO 31030 could have major legal and financial implications. This was echoed by law firms in France and in the US.

However, ISO 31030 should not be seen as a threat to corporates. In fact, the guidance could become the biggest asset for travel managers if applied correctly. ISO 31030 was created to address increased levels of anxiety about travel risk and support corporations in managing the growing complexity and intensity of threats and risk. By implementing the standard into travel risk management policies, corporations can use the guidance to their advantage, offering:

• Assurance for corporate management, staff and staff association
• Increased safety and security
• Reduced risk of litigation
• Increased productivity

Addressing issues with productivity

The International SOS report predicts the top drivers of productivity loss for travelling employees in the next 12 months will be security threats, geopolitical threats, transport concerns, natural disasters, civil unrest, and wars. ISO 31030 can be used to help corporations effectively manage safety and security risks, ensure employee wellbeing and maintain levels of productivity.

Ensuring a safe stay

As ISO 31030 gains momentum across the travel industry, corporates will begin to request safety and security credentials from the accommodation they book for their employees. Hotels that can prove they meet best practice in these areas will thrive in the coming years as safety and security remain at the focus for corporates and their travelling employees.

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