Travelling to moderate and high-risk countries can be a challenging task for companies, and depending on the location can come with an elevated personal and company risk. If something goes wrong, the individual could be exposed to significant danger and the company’s reputation could be negatively impacted with directors open to potential civil and criminal prosecution. It is therefore essential that when planning a business trip, all parties have the most current information and intelligence for the country they are visiting.
Travel Risk Management – Information & Intelligence
Although it could be argued that this information can be readily obtained by a quick internet search, there is no guarantee it is accurate or even up to date, therefore it could subject employees to additional and unnecessary risk.
Taking the time to build robust preparation for any business trip starts with gathering accurate intelligence. The benefits of receiving accurate details include:
- Risk assessment: Companies can use information and intelligence to assess the risks associated with travelling to certain countries. This helps identify potential threats and take appropriate measures to mitigate them and decide whether to authorise the travel or whether to use alternative means.
- Preparation: Making sure both the employee and company are thoroughly prepared for any trip in advance. Current information and intelligence can help companies prepare their employees for travel. Simple but effective information about local customs, culture, and laws as well as health risks and security issues can help prepare the traveller to avoid cultural mistakes, prevent offence, stay healthy and stay out of trouble with local authorities. It also ensures that in the event something goes wrong, there is a robust emergency response plan in place, which can be implemented quickly.
- Safety: Staying abreast of potential security threats helps companies keep their employees safe. Briefing travellers to know how to avoid dangerous areas/situations and what to do if they can’t help minimise the risk to their safety. The use of tracking apps, with agreed daily check-ins and welfare checks is another key part of the process to ensure the safety of staff.
- Transport: When travelling to moderate or high-risk countries, public transport should be avoided. The use of locally vetted companies, along with experienced drivers, should be utilised.
Inverroy works with several large corporate organisations providing valuable threat reporting and horizon scanning reports along with travel risk management for when personnel are travelling. If you would like to know more about how we can help your company and employees stay safe whilst travelling, please do get in touch.
