BII boss: 'we'll act to raise standards'

BII chief Neil Robertson has made it clear the group will not shirk from criticising and acting against pub operators — and individual licensees — that demonstrate poor standards.

Employing mystery shoppers to check licensees are up to the mark, and giving more teeth to the BIIBAS lease code of practice accreditation scheme, are among the plans being considered. But it will be combined with greater support for members, particularly newcomers.

Robertson has outlined his vision for the future of the BII in an article written exclusively for the MA this week.

The organisation is a key player in major debates in the industry, not least its role in the pubco/tenant relationship through BIIBAS.

Some observers have criticised the scheme for not being tough enough on pubcos.

But in a coded warning to operators, Robertson wrote: "Being a professional body means it is our responsibility to strengthen training and professional standards in the sector.

"So, we will comment on issues relating to these key areas and will be critical of those individuals or organisations who demonstrate poor standards or insufficient training."

He referred to plans to "enhance" BIIBAS by, for example, introducing annual audits and the need for re-accreditation.

Robertson said the group would be "working hard to help BII members be more visible to the public".

"In order to maintain the credibility of the brand, however, we need to ensure our individual members operate with the same values.

"In future, it will not be enough to say that BII members sign up to our code of conduct — we are looking into more radical forms of quality assurance such as mystery shopping."

Robertson promised a "new strategy around training" to "sharpen and extend both the reach and ambition of what we do".

This will include a package of services for newcomers, including a telephone information service, a catalogue of web-based information and opportunities for work experience and mentoring.

There will be "an introductory training unit" to ensure newcomers "consider their legal and operational responsibilities even before they've signed on the dotted line".

"BII will be the first stop for the fresh-faced," said Robertson.

There will be a "much needed" skills development programme for those who support licensees, particularly business development managers.

Online and modular courses "will form an increasingly large strand of our training offering", while a "mentoring facility" provided by senior members will be available.