Buyers should work with all stakeholders within their business to ensure a successful implementation of a travel risk policy, the regional security manager at international SOS said.
Speaking at this week’s Business Travel Show, Peter Cooper said security managers can be “a bit insular” and so buyers should “break out of those silos” and operate across all areas of the business.
“By involving all parts of the business from HR up to chief executive then you will have the power to get your message across the whole business.
“Trying to get in buy-in at senior level is key to drive your security message. Ensure all departments are aligned and also check you are involving other interested parties such as your travellers’ family,” said Cooper
He was speaking in a session on safety and security and offering buyers a best practice guide for beginners. He was joined by Eveline Paulisse, former travel manager at GBTA Europe. She said: “There are many stakeholders involved in my corporation and it’s important to have HR as one and the CEO as the other. It’s also key for line managers to be involved in the safety policy.”
Paulisse raised the issue of data protection and how some travellers can be reluctant to pass on personal information such as mobile phone numbers that are important when a crisis or incident occurs.
One buyer said to combat this their company provides all travellers with a work mobile and communicate why it’s important they are contactable when travelling.
Cooper added that travellers themselves have a responsibility to safety as well as the travel manager.
“Everyone knows about the duty of care for employers but employees have a ‘duty of policy’ to adhere to. The challenge can be fitting it into your company culture.”