PPC121 | EDITORIAL

BPCA has always been bold when it comes to doing what’s right for the pest management sector. We’ve never been afraid to take a calculated risk if it means moving the profession forward.  

From introducing mandatory CPD and Level 2 qualifications, to opening our first social media accounts (when talking to the public was seen as risky business), to appearing on national TV, our Association has always been willing to step up and lead the way. 

The road ahead is much the same. Transitioning more qualifications to Ofqual-regulated status, rather than BPCA-accredited, means putting our non-subscription income on the line. Moving entry-level pest qualifications up to Level 3 carries risk too.  

Launching a public-facing recruitment campaign, complete with a new website and promotional film, also means inviting fresh eyes into our world - and that can be daunting. 

But look at what happens when we do take those leaps. Becoming the only approved TrustMark Scheme Operator for pest management wasn’t easy. It meant exposing our standards to external scrutiny and committing to a higher level of accountability. 

Yet now, all Servicing members meet the BS EN 16636 Standard and are part of the only government-endorsed quality scheme for tradespeople. That’s a huge win for professionalism and recognition. 

Our advocacy work also carries risk, but it’s vital. Submitting evidence to HSE to protect anticoagulants, writing to the Chancellor ahead of the winter budget, engaging with NatureScot, Defra and others… these are bold moves that keep pest management on the agenda where it matters most. Our Manifesto for pest management is a clear signal of intent: we’re not waiting to be invited into the conversation; we’re making sure we’re already in the room. 

Next year, you’ll see us take more strategic risks. We’ll deliver CPD in new formats, try fresh ways to boost member participation, and explore different approaches to our events and publications.  

Our Special Interest Groups and Committees will be encouraged to produce more guidance and resources. We’ll partner with more organisations, bring in more expertise, and continue shining a light on members who innovate, whether through environmental responsibility, technology or training. 

With risk comes potential reward. That’s why we’ll keep challenging ourselves to push boundaries, try new things, and tell our story to the public in bolder ways. We're not here to stand still or tag along. We're here to lead the professionalism of the sector and make a real difference.

Thanks for standing with us. 

Scott and Kat
PPC editors
hello@bpca.org.uk

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