PPC119 | ASSOCIATION

Rosina Robson joined British Pest Control Association (BPCA) as Chief Executive in June 2025.

With more than 20 years’ experience in lobbying and government relations, Rosina brings a strong track record of championing membership organisations and influencing change in Westminster.

In this issue of PPC, Rosina sits down with BPCA President Chris Cagienard to talk about her career, first impressions and what she hopes to bring to the Association.

PPC: Hi Rosina - welcome! Let’s start with your background. What’s brought you to the pest management sector?

RR: Most of my professional life has been in membership organisations and trade associations. I’ve worked across a range of sectors, from small businesses to higher education and the creative industries.

I've always had huge respect for people who take risks and start their own businesses, and my work has always centred around representing their interests to government. That's really been the golden thread throughout my career.

PPC: Much of the pest management industry is made up of small businesses and sole traders. Do you think your background gives you a unique perspective on their needs?

RR: Absolutely. I've spent my career acting as the bridge between experts in their fields and government decision-makers. I understand how to package up knowledge and evidence in a way that gets listened to in Westminster.

It’s not just about understanding the technical side of the sector, it’s about making sure your voice cuts through and reaches the people who can help.

PPC: You’ve had some big lobbying wins in the past. Could you share a few examples?

RR: One example that might resonate with pest controllers is when I helped introduce a licensing regime for aesthetic procedures through the Health and Care Act.

That campaign started with a strong evidence base and built momentum through an all-party parliamentary group. We got national media coverage and worked in coalition with about 20 different organisations.

Eventually, we got a clause into the legislation itself. That experience taught me how to build coalitions and get real results.

In the creative industries, I worked on campaigns alongside Baroness Floella Benjamin to improve child protection in film and TV, and to secure a £500 million tax relief package for children’s television.

And at the Federation of Small Businesses, I pushed for improvements to the Bribery Act and helped make small claims courts more accessible for micro-businesses.

CC: That’s exactly why we’re so excited to have Rosina on board. For too long, our lobbying work has been defensive. We’ve been reacting to challenges, rather than setting the agenda.

What we need now is someone who can make our voice heard before decisions are made – someone who can help us move from defence to offence. And that’s where Rosina comes in.

PPC: Chris, what do you see as the big priorities for lobbying in our sector?

CC: Recognition. We need pest professionals to be seen as professionals.

Right now, our core qualification is the Level 2 Award in Pest Management, and it simply isn’t giving us the credit we deserve.

If we want to build sustainable careers and charge a fair price for the value we bring, then we need to reframe how people see us.

That might mean pushing for licensing, developing an institute, or getting our qualifications properly recognised. We’re also facing pressure on the tools we use to do our jobs.

We need someone who can help protect that toolkit while also showing the public that animal welfare and environmental responsibility matter to us.

RR: I think there’s a really strong narrative here. BPCA members play a crucial role in protecting public health, food security, and biodiversity.

That matters to this government. It’s about finding the overlap between what we want and what government wants. If we can tell the right story to the right people, we can have a real impact.

PPC: Rosina, what made you want to apply for this role?

RR: I was looking for a Chief Executive role where I could put my lobbying experience to use. What stood out to me about BPCA was how clearly the job description focused on public affairs.

That’s quite rare, and it made me think: this is an organisation that knows what it needs.

I was also struck by the history. BPCA was founded in wartime, with food security at its heart.

That’s still relevant today, especially as climate change brings new pest challenges.

And growing up on the edge of the North York Moors, the interaction between people and the natural world has always felt personal to me.

PPC: There might not be an obvious link between pest control and your last role in hair and beauty… any surprising similarities?

RR: More than you’d think! The National Hair & Beauty Federation represents lots of micro-businesses, often embedded in their local communities.

Like pest control, we talked a lot about professionalism, standards, skills and regulation. And the language around licensing and qualifications was surprisingly similar.

CC: And let’s be honest, bringing in a CEO from outside the traditional pest control mold is refreshing. We’re an ageing industry with diversity issues – just 5.5% of our workforce is female.

Rosina’s appointment helps break down those stereotypes and shows we’re serious about change. Since her appointment, we’ve had a surge in board applications. That speaks volumes.

PPC: Rosina, you unofficially joined us at PPC Live earlier this year. What was your first impression of the sector?

RR: Passion. The enthusiasm at PPC Live was infectious. People really care about this industry and want to drive it forward. I was struck by the breadth of expertise too. 

There are falconers, insect specialists, rodent experts – all under one roof. And the interest in technology and innovation was really exciting.

PPC: Have you got anything you’re particularly looking forward to in your first 100 days?

RR: The visits, without a doubt! I can’t wait to get out and meet members, see how they work, and hear what matters to them.

I’m also looking forward to my Level 2 Award training – going back to school, as it were!

That kind of CPD is important to me, and I know how much value BPCA places on professional development. 

CC: We’ll be getting Rosina out into all sorts of places – everything from city centre cafes and restaurants, to airports.

Pest control takes you everywhere, and there’s no better way to learn about it than seeing it first-hand.

PPC: Last question – when you’re not lobbying or studying pest management, what do you like to do?

RR: I love being outside. I live near the Chilterns with my partner, so I spend a lot of time walking, running and cycling. It’s a beautiful part of the world, and a great place to unwind.

PPC: Thanks, both! We’re looking forward to seeing what the next few months bring.

Source: Online