Latest News from BPCA

23 February 2017

New draft of the Trailblazer Apprenticeship Standard available for comment

TarilblaziersBPCA announced a few weeks ago that it's Pest Control Employer Development Group (EDG) had produced the Pest Control Technician Apprenticeship Standards ready for submission for approval. Based on the feedback, a new draft has been created and is ready for feedback.

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The Trailblazer Scheme

The Association first signalled an interest in exploring apprenticeships internally in early 2016 following the release of the government's improved ‘trailblazer' scheme in 2015.
An extract from HM Government's, Guidance for Trailblazers document released in December 2015 states,

‘Employers working together to design the standards and assessment plans for apprenticeships is a key feature of the new system, as it leads to apprenticeships that are of higher quality and more relevant to your industry'Quicklook: A to Z of pests

BPCA's EDG

In April 2016 BPCA formed a project working group that has since established the Employer Development Group (EDG), and has facilitated the development of the scheme for pest control employers to date. The EDG brings together 13 employers from its Servicing and Executive Board Committees consisting of the following people:

  • Paul Rodman, Monitor Pest Control
  • Phil Halpin, Countrywide Environmental Services
  • Jim England, Protext Pest Control Services
  • Martin Harvey, Harvey Environmental
  • Lewis Jenkins, Check Services
  • Chris Corbett, Aderyn
  • Dan Gaskin, Acclaim Environmental
  • Andy Gray, Ecolab
  • David Cross, Rentokil Initial
  • David Lodge, Beaver Pest Control
  • Martin Rose-King, Bountry Pest Control and Environmental Services
  • Ryan Overton, Thermokill
  • Martin Cobbauld, Dealey Group
  • Mandy McCarthy Ward, BPCA

Update on 21 July 2017:

Please note the invitation to feedback comments and/or signal your interest to join the ECG is now closed.

Source: BPCA.org.uk

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31 October 2025

Latest news

VIDEO: Consumer vulnerability: recognising the signs, reducing the risks with Louise Baxter MBE

Louise Baxter MBE, Head of the National Trading Standards Scams Team and Non-Executive Director at TrustMark, explores what consumer vulnerability really means in 2025 and how it affects the work you do every day.

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30 October 2025

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BPCA launch new careers hub, video and Open Doors Charter

Rosina Robson shares how the Association’s new pestcareers.org.uk hub, recruitment film, Open Doors Charter and social media campaign are helping to attract a more diverse, skilled and inspired workforce into pest management.

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29 October 2025

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Government guidance on Awaab’s Law issued for social landlords

On 27 October 2025, Awaab’s Law entered into force. Applying to social landlords, their tenants are now protected against emergency hazards and significant damp and mould hazards.

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09 December 2025

Latest news

Remote monitoring is the answer! But what is the question?

As pest managers look to incorporate more technology into treatment plans, Tom Holmes, of Tom Holmes Consulting, shares some of his thoughts on the benefits of remote monitoring and how we can sell these services to clients.

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09 December 2025

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Debate: Behavioural resistance in rats and mice

Our experts examine behavioural resistance in rodents and stress the need for adaptable methods, good site hygiene and informed, evidence-based control as avoidance behaviours become more common.

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09 December 2025

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Flipping the script with iX5 Pest Control

Matt O’Donnell, Director of iX5 Environmental Services, shares his experience of a BPCA assessment, highlighting preparation, constructive discussions and how the process supports members in strengthening compliance and professional practice.

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