THE new chairman of BASIS PROMPT has revealed plans to boost the profile of the initiative as part of a push for significant growth.

Sabra Everett wants to see the professional register play an increasingly influential role within the pest control industry.

And she's keen to ensure the future of the organisation is led by members themselves.

Ms Everett, marketing director at Killgerm and vice chairman of the National Pest Technicians Association, has taken over the lead role at PROMPT from retiring Chairman David Oldbury.

She has already instigated a strategic review and promises to lead from the front to ensure the successful evolution of the register, which provides independent proof that pest controllers have received proper training and continued to update their expertise.

Ms Everett said: "As the leading vehicle for Continuing Professional Development (CPD), PROMPT is a key initiative which has been growing year on year.

"Membership alone is a demonstration of professional credentials and the fact that well over 3,000 are now signed up illustrates its growing value.

"But, as incoming chairman, I want to see the register go from strength to strength, expand its role and extend its influence within the pest control sector.

"I'd like to raise the profile of the organisation, drive home the importance of investing in CPD and ensure it has a pivotal role in keeping professional controllers at the forefront of our industry."

Members of PROMPT can claim to be experts in the field as they must have achieved at least Level Two in Pest Management or Pest Control to be eligible.

Technicians and managers must then accrue at least 20 CPD points each year which means they'll always be aware of the most up-to-date techniques, products and legal obligations.

As proof of professional credentials, the scheme has significant benefits for both pest control companies and their clients, whether they're commercial customers, local authorities or the general public.

A new chief executive of PROMPT is due to be appointed in April, but Ms Everett is keen to put members themselves in the driving seat and the launch of a membership survey signals the start of the fresh approach.

She added: "We're already reviewing our strategies and exploring digital avenues. We've revised and relaunched our website and there are likely to be several further developments in the coming months.

"But strong feedback from our members will help us to move forward in the right direction.

"We exist for their benefit, so we should do all we can to deliver a powerful and practical service that's very much focused on the needs of its customers.

"The survey will give them the chance to tell us what we're doing well, where we can improve and what more they'd like to see.

"By giving members a voice, and then listening to it, we can ensure we're delivering precisely what they want from us."

Ms Everett was the unanimous choice of the PROMPT committee to replace Mr Oldbury, who is stepping down after three years in the role.

She added: "David has done a fantastic job in overseeing the development of the initiative to date and I'm hoping to tap into his knowledge and experience as we move forward.

"I'd like to see PROMPT become a louder independent voice on major industry issues including changes to legislation and David will be a key part of that.

"I also want to raise awareness of the register to domestic customers, though I think controllers themselves can help push home the message of professionalism.

"It's important that PROMPT continues to lead the way for pest controllers and, if we can broaden and enhance its role, I'm sure there's a bright future ahead."

Mr Oldbury, who is stepping down due to family reasons, said: "Sabra has a wealth of experience and expertise within pest management.

"I'm confident she'll guide the register successfully, reflecting the needs of the membership and the industry as a whole with a range of innovative initiatives during her tenure."

Membership of PROMPT has already grown by almost 10 per cent since 2014 and figures produced at the start of the year revealed a total of 3,249 are now signed up.

Stephen Jacob, acting chief executive of the organisation, hopes the total will receive a further boost at PPC Live on March 16.

He said: "We often attend major events and exhibitions like this as we're keen to stay in touch with existing members and hopefully attract new ones.

"I would urge anyone connected with the pest management industry to visit our stall, find out what we're all about and how membership of PROMPT can help their business."

Source: BPCA.org.uk