BPCA’s Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) Committee has been recognised at the Memcom Awards 2025, receiving a Highly Commended award for Best Inclusion Initiative.
BPCA marketing manager, Scott Johnstone, said: “For those not familiar, the Memcom Awards are the Oscars of the membership world. Chartered institutes, royal colleges and major unions all compete for the same prizes as small trade associations like ours, making them notoriously tough to win.
“For BPCA to be recognised on this stage shows just how far the sector has come in embracing inclusion.”
Nearly 40% of the UK’s pest control workforce is expected to retire in the next decade. To secure the future, BPCA has been investing in initiatives to attract more young people, women, and greater diversity into the sector.
The EDI Committee, formed as a permanent Executive Board committee, has already delivered a raft of resources:
- The free-to-use EDI Toolkit, which helps companies identify and reduce bias in recruitment and workplace culture;
- Recruitment support, including trainee job advert templates and pest awareness presentation packs for schools and careers fairs; and
- An onboarding framework designed to support retention, giving new starters structured learning and support in their early months.
The committee also continues to work on an industry-wide EDI Charter and accessibility improvements across BPCA’s websites.
Rosina Robson, BPCA chief executive, said: “I’m incredibly proud of our EDI Committee and all they’ve achieved. Winning recognition at the Memcom Awards demonstrates that pest management is committed to inclusion and future-proofing our workforce.
“Earlier this year we signed the Armed Forces Covenant, showing our commitment to supporting those who’ve served. Combined with our EDI work, we’re building a profession where everyone feels welcome and valued.”
What’s next?
BPCA isn’t slowing down. The award-winning EDI Committee is preparing to launch a new Pest Careers Hub later this month, designed to inspire the next generation of pest professionals.
Mrs Robson added: “From toolkits to charters, and from careers advice to onboarding frameworks, BPCA’s work on inclusion is helping ensure pest management reflects the communities it protects – and is ready for the future.”
