The issue
Following the introduction of ISO 31030, the first truly global benchmark for travel risk management, Blue Cube’s clients began expressing an interest in the new standard, particularly how existing policies and procedures measured up to best practice. However, as the standard was so new, there was limited information and guidance available. Keen to not only identify the gaps in its own travel management policies but to better advise clients, Blue Cube undertook GSA Global’s ISO 31030 Readiness Assessment.
The approach
The ISO 31030 Readiness Assessment reviews a business’ current policies, practices, and procedures against the ISO 31030 standard. One of GSA Global’s trained auditors will first analyse the company’s approach to travel risk management before providing a report outlining the organisation’s strengths and weaknesses, as well as a checklist of actions required to meet the standard.
Prior to the assessment, Blue Cube was expecting the report to be brief, so was pleasantly surprised to receive a thorough breakdown of the company’s travel risk management strengths and weaknesses. This gave the team clear and comprehensive guidance on what needed to be addressed to reach a high standard of duty of care.
The result
Following the assessment, Blue Cube has gained a greater understanding of ISO 31030, which has allowed them to differentiate from their competitors. With this newfound knowledge, its team can speak confidently with clients on the importance of having a travel policy that is aligned with the standard, as well as help draft the foundations from which clients can build bespoke and robust programmes. Alongside this, Blue Cube is working closely with GSA Global to implement a structure that ensures its own policies and procedures are also of a high standard.
“It is not a short process by any means, but it is absolutely worth it, as it allows us to earn greater trust, confidence and loyalty from our clients.”, says Sumit G, Head of Client Services and Supplier Management at Blue Cube. “We were truly impressed by how smooth, concise and thorough the entire process was, and are keen to refine our own travel management programme and provide added value to our clients.”
Despite extreme events like the COVID-19 pandemic and Ukraine-Russia conflict bringing into sharp focus the need for effective travel risk management programmes, there are still businesses that are yet to implement them. As well as the serious legal implications attached to non-compliance with ISO 31030, employers that fail to demonstrate proper duty of care could risk losing employees who feel their safety is not being brought into consideration. It is therefore critical that companies not only know ISO 31030 but implement its frameworks into travel risk management programmes and processes.
