Set to launch in the first half of 2021, ISO 31030 will set a new benchmark for corporate travel, laying out in black and white new higher expectations on assessing and managing risk. Once in force, it will have a major impact on everyone in the supply chain, from travel and travel risk managers to corporates and TMCs.
So, how can you set about preparing for its arrival?
We asked Global Service Accreditation, one of the organisations instrumental in putting the ISO together, to share their advice. Plus, to help ensure you’ve covered all your bases, the GSA has also created a free readiness assessment that includes a checklist of all the areas to explore ahead of the ISO’s launch. You can find it here.
Define ownership
If you do not have a department that specifically handles risk, where does travel risk sit? Do you have an owner or a group of people who understand their responsibilities and scope? If not, it’s time to have these conversations.
Become risk aware
COVID-19 has brought duty of care to the fore, and there is a high focus on hygiene security at present, but does this need to be broadened in your organisation? If risk has not featured heavily on your agenda before now, start to map out what it looks like for your organisation. What do typical patterns of travel activity look like? What are the levels of risk in the places your staff typically visit?
Learn about assessments
When it comes to assessing a supplier’s approach to risk it can be a very grey area. What assurances do you require from the partners you work with? If they self-certify their performance today, it is preferable that under ISO 31030 you will need to ask for third-party assessments.
Create a system
How do you communicate with staff around travel policies and updates? How do you ensure your staff stick within the guidelines you set? What happens when there is an incident? Do you have contingencies and reporting mechanisms in place?
