The British Pest Control Association (BPCA) brought together leading voices for its special Duty of Care Digital Forum, tackling one of the most important topics in pest management today: how members can better support the well-being, safety and rights of staff, customers and ourselves.
The online event, which took place earlier this month, featured expert talks on mental health, management responsibilities and workplace culture, offering practical advice for businesses of all sizes.
Speakers included Louise Baxter MBE (TrustMark), Anna Mollins (Pest Minds), Sophie Thorogood (Pelsis) and Hema Mistry (Quest), each sharing their perspective on what duty of care means in the real world of pest management.
Louise Baxter MBE opened the forum with a powerful session on consumer vulnerability, encouraging pest professionals to look beyond the job at hand. “Anyone can be vulnerable at any time,” she explained, sharing practical ways to communicate clearly and compassionately with customers who may be struggling due to health, isolation or life circumstances.
Ms Mollins followed with a session on mental health as an employer’s responsibility, introducing her Pest Minds initiative and highlighting the need for open dialogue in an industry where many work alone. “Talking about mental health doesn’t make you weak,” she said. “It makes you human.”
From the business side, Sophie Thorogood outlined how Pelsis has created a proactive wellbeing culture, with trained mental health first aiders, regular team events and accessible support networks that reduce stigma and encourage connection.
Finally, Hema Mistry, head of service at Quest, delivered a clear and practical overview of an employer’s legal and moral duty of care. She covered everything from risk assessments, PPE and discrimination to flexible working and return-to-work interviews, reminding employers that staff wellbeing and legal compliance go hand in hand.
All talks from the Duty of Care Digital Forum are now available to watch back for free on BPCA’s official YouTube channel.
Click here to watch the Duty of Care Digital Forum.
