BUSINESS STANDARDS
is the quarterly magazine of BSI Group, highlighting the vital role that standards play in today's business environment. Regular features include interviews with leading business figures, as well as news on the latest developments in management systems and standards.
Can your business afford a loss of reputation as the result of an incident?
02 Jun 2009
Topics: BS 8848
This was the question that led a recent conference hosted by BSI in partnership with the Royal Geographical Society (with IBG). The topic for discussion was the updated BS 8848 + A1:2009 Specification for the provision of visits, fieldwork, expeditions and adventurous activities outside the United Kingdom. BS 8848 specifies requirements that have to be met by organizers of adventurous trips in order to conform to best practice. The original version of BS 8848 was first published in April 2007, in response to increased calls to manage the risk of overseas adventure activities. Amongst others, it is aimed at expedition and field trip organizers, gap year travel companies and providers of adventurous holidays. The update to the standard reflects the experience of existing users.
The amendment clarifies certain aspects and ensures the standard remains fit for purpose. For example, a self-declaration checklist has been added, which will help organizations carry out a thorough audit of their processes, manage the risks and communicate this to customers.
"A transparent and safe system for conducting overseas ventures is necessary so that participants may be exposed to dangers without actually coming to harm," says Lt. Col (Retired) John Adams, chairman of the BSI committee responsible for the standard. "BS 8848 has been developed to meet that need, potentially saving lives. For the adventure provider, BS 8848 offers guidance on every aspect of the venture and for those looking for adventure, it offers them reassurance that their travel is organized by a responsible provider."
For more information on BS 8848, visit www.bsigroup.com/bs8848
Business Standards © 2007. Editorial produced by Caspian Publishing in association with the British Standards Institution. Editorial opinions expressed on are not necessarily those of BSI Group or Caspian Publishing. Neither Caspian Publishing nor BSI Group accept responsibility for advertising or editorial content, nor for that appearing on linked third-party websites. Reproduction in whole or in part is forbidden without written permission from BSI Group or Caspian Publishing.
BSI is planning an informal free lunchtime roundtable in central London on 10 December 2009 to explore how small businesses and their trade bodies can work more effectively with standards. Places are limited so to register your interest or request more information, please email bsi.survey@bsigroup.com or call +44 (0)20 8996 7750.
A clear case for carbon neutrality
"Carbon neutral" sounds good on paper, but what does it really mean? Organizations are making claims about carbon neutrality for everything from products to travel, events, projects and buildings. The problem is that no one quite agrees what "carbon neutral" means or how far it extends.
While there was a time when companies would never consider working alongside the competition, today's marketplace demands a more flexible approach. Collaboration is fast becoming par for the course. For example, large government contracts often require expertise that goes far beyond any one company's capacity to deliver. Forming a consortium brings together the right experience in the right place, and it can mean the difference between winning or losing a tender.
Sustainability: more than "green"
Sustainable development means taking into account the social, economic and environmental impacts of business activities, not only for the present but also for future generations.
Gerda, a leading developer and manufacturer of products for the security industry, has become the first company to be awarded the Kitemark for thief-resistant lock assemblies, in line with BS 10621:2007 Thief resistant dual-mode lock assembly.
Question: What impact do you think BCM could have on business insurance in the future?
It is essential that any business suffering a disaster is able to continue as near normal trading in the shortest possible time period to survive. To achieve this, an organization should implement a comprehensive well-tested business continuity plan (BCP) as a first step. Insurance should be viewed as an extension to the BCP process, not an alternative.
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