ISO has published its long-awaited international standard offering
organisations guidance on travel risk management, allowing them to “protect their workers when
travelling in a comprehensive manner, [and] demonstrate their decisions related
to risk are based on solid and reliable information”.
The standard, known as ISO 31030, provides a structured approach to the development, implementation,
evaluation and review of:
- policy;
- programme development;
- threat and hazard identification;
- opportunities and strengths;
- risk assessment; and
- prevention and mitigation strategies.
Kevin Myers, convenor of
the group of experts that developed the standard told BTN Europe: "Work-related travel, like all travel, took a nose-dive when the
Covid-19 pandemic shook the world last year and transport everywhere came to a
standstill. But now, as people start moving again, our experience over the last
year has highlighted just how important it is to be prepared for any
eventuality.
"This new
standard therefore provides very timely guidance for all kinds of organisations
on how to manage travel risks, including what they can do should an emergency
arise that affects the traveller or the organisation.”
“ISO 31030 enables organisations
to not only protect their workers when travelling in a comprehensive manner,
but demonstrate their decisions related to risk are based on solid and reliable
information.
“Travel risks vary and
change enormously based on destinations, political or health situations,
amongst other things, and there is no one set of rules that works for every
destination or traveller profile.
“ISO 31030 is a key tool to
help any kind of organisation put a realistic and comprehensive plan in place
to cover all the bases and keep their workers safe when on the move."
Following the publication of the standard, Global Secure Accreditation (GSA) and Travilearn have
launched a training programme designed to enable travel management
companies and corporates to understand it and comply with its guidelines.
The
course is a self-paced, online learning module which takes approximately one
hour to complete. Upon completion of the course, delegates will be able to understand
the scope of the new standard, see how it applies to different travel
programmes and provide guidance on the steps to becoming compliant.
Bob
Quick, executive director and founder of GSA, said: “The new ISO standard 31030
will bring much needed clarity to the responsibilities of employers when their
staff are travelling on business. Our new course will enable members of an
organisation to discover how it applies to their business in a practical and
proportionate way.”
Karen
McKenna, founder of Travilearn, added: “We are excited to be part of this
important initiative to increase understanding and knowledge of travel risk
management, through structured and certified training on an e-learning platform
that is accessible in every global market using a simple log-in.”