You should never travel without this risk assessment. The security professional is responsible for protecting these 4 key assets of an organisation: Property, People, Information and Reputation.

Yet, each industry has its own focus on risk whether it be financial, operational or digital. However, only one risk has the potential to create a perfect storm and adversely affect all those 4 key assets contemporaneously: Travel.

Is your company addressing the issue of Travel Risk Management in the same way that it manages other risks in the workplace? If not, here is a 4 step process to help you assess the risks to your corporate travellers. Use the findings of this simple 4 step Risk Assessment to ensure the safety and security of your travellers, especially female staff.

The 4 step Travel Risk Assessment

1. WHO is at risk?

Identify the demographic within your company and choose those individuals or staff categories who are at risk when travelling. Female travellers are more a target than males. Executives are at greater risk of kidnap for ransom than line managers.

Corporate travellers carrying sensitive company information are more at risk than your support staff.

2. WHERE do existing travel security protocols reside in your company?

Is a department or individual responsible for travel security? Do you have a published Corporate Travel Security policy with supporting standards and guidelines?

Are your travellers being met at their destination or do they have to rely on e-hailing and other risky local transport options? Does the accommodation have suitable security and fire prevention procedures?

3. WHAT recommendations can you make to lower identified travel risks?

• Have you considered how to track and communicate with your corporate travellers when a disaster occurs?
• Do you have documented and properly resourced evacuation procedures?
• How will you repatriate a corpse?
• Do you provide actionable destination intelligence before your travellers leave on a business trip?
• Does your travel insurance cover KR&E, theft of data or disaster recovery incidents?

4. WHEN will your Travel Security Management (TSM) programme be implemented?

After reviewing existing travel security protocols and identifying practical recommendations to lower the risks to your corporate travellers, you need to identify individuals to take responsibility for the programme.

Set deadlines for what tasks need to be completed by when. Seek assistance from professional Travel Risk Management and Advisory professionals. Document how you will reduce the risks of the loss of liberty, life and limb for your corporate travellers.

Why do this…?

The 4 step Travel Risk Assessment will help you and your company realize the actual, rather than perceived, threats experienced by corporate travellers, especially women.
Use these insights to advise the Board of Directors about the risks of negligence and failure to comply with their Duty of Care (DoC) obligations.

In conclusion, use the 4 step Travel Risk Assessment to reduce your company’s business liability and provide a robust defence against a class action.

Given the uncertain world through which your employees now travel, such a defence is a vital component of your risk management strategy.

Learn this 4 step travel risk assessment and other life changing skills on one of our H.E.A.T. Courses