Jump to content

Master Locksmiths Association: Difference between revisions

Add links
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Browse history interactively
← Previous edit
Content deleted Content added
VisualWikitext
m Reverted 1 edit by Mariiooxx (talk) to last revision by Viewmont Viking
 
(184 intermediate revisions by 53 users not shown)
Line 1: Line 1:
{{Use dmy dates|date=April 2022}}
{{third-party|date=June 2017}}
{{Infobox non-profit
{{Infobox non-profit
| name = Master Locksmiths Association
| name = Master Locksmiths Association
| image = [[File:Master Locksmiths Association (logo).gif]]
| image = Master Locksmiths Association logo.png
| type = [[Trade association]]
| type = [[Trade association]]
| founded_date = 1958
| founded_date = 1958
|abbreviation = MLA
|status = Non-profit organisation
| tax_id =
| tax_id =
| registration_id =
| registration_id =
| founder =
| founder =
| location =
| location =
|headquarters = [[Rugby, Warwickshire|Rugby]], [[Warwickshire]]<ref>{{cite web |title=Master Locksmiths Association gets keys to new HQ |url=https://www.thebusinessdesk.com/westmidlands/news/2033735-master-locksmiths-association-gets-keys-to-new-hq |publisher=The Business Desk |access-date=17 November 2022 |date=15 September 2019}}</ref>
| coordinates =
| coordinates =
| origins =
| origins =
Line 13: Line 18:
| area_served = [[United Kingdom]]
| area_served = [[United Kingdom]]
| product =
| product =
| mission =
| mission =
| focus = [[Locksmithing]]
| focus = [[Locksmithing]]
| method = approval through [[vetting]] and [[inspection]]
| revenue =
| revenue =
| endowment =
| endowment =
Line 30: Line 34:
}}
}}


'''Master Locksmiths Association''' ('''MLA''') is a [[non-profit organization|not for profit]] [[trade association]] representing and approving [[Locksmiths]] in the [[United Kingdom]]. It was established in 1958 and now has 1400 members.<ref name=home>[http://www.locksmiths.co.uk/ MLA established in 1958]</ref> In 2008 the MLA was referred to by the then [[Minister of State]], [[Ministry of Justice (United Kingdom)|Ministry of Justice]], [[Maria Eagle]], as the "principal trade body representing locksmiths and promoting standards within the industry".<ref name="C090630">[http://www.publications.parliament.uk/pa/cm200809/cmgeneral/deleg4/090630/90630s01.htm House of Commons committee deliberations]</ref> It is also the association referred to by the [[Association of Chief Police Officers]] in their Secured by Design program.<ref>[http://www.securedbydesign.com/keylinks/security.aspx Association of Chief Police Officers Secured By Design]</ref>
'''Master Locksmiths Association''' ('''MLA''') is a [[non-profit organization|not for profit]] [[trade association]] representing [[locksmiths]] in the [[United Kingdom]]. It operates a certification program and a referral program to direct consumers to its certified locksmiths. It was established in 1958<ref name=home>{{cite web|url=http://www.locksmiths.co.uk/|title=Find a Locksmith |website=Master Locksmiths Association official website |accessdate=2017-06-17}}</ref> and has about 1,400 members.{{citation needed|date=June 2017}}


== Background and operation ==
== Certification and referral ==
Whilst in the United Kingdom the [[Security Industry Authority]] manages the licensing of the private security industry as set out in the Private Security Industry Act 2001 (which covers manguarding,(including cash in transit, close protection, door supervision), vehicle immobilisation and key holding),<ref>[http://www.sia.homeoffice.gov.uk/Pages/licensing.aspx Security Industry Authority licensing some parts of the security industry]</ref> locksmithing does not come under this act and there is therefore no government based licensing of locksmiths. This in effect means that anyone can trade as a locksmith irrespective of background, motive or competence. In 2009 it became possible to get a true background check on a locksmith (unless employed full-time by a school/hospital etc.). This occurred when the Exceptions order for the [[Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974]] was changed in July 2009 following debates in the House of Commons<ref name="C090630"/> and the House of Lords<ref>[http://www.publications.parliament.uk/pa/ld200809/ldhansrd/text/90629-gc0003.htm#0906293000264 House of Lords committee deliberations]</ref> whereby the MLA was added to the list enabling it to get standard level CRB disclosures.<ref>[http://www.crb.homeoffice.gov.uk/resource_library/disclosure_news/dn_78_sep_09.aspx Criminal Records Bureau confirm MLA registered for CRB checks]</ref>
Locksmithing does not come under the [[Security Industry Authority]], and there is no government licensing of locksmiths. This in effect means that anyone can trade as a locksmith irrespective of background, motive or competence. In 2009 it became possible to get a background check on a locksmith (unless employed full-time by a school/hospital etc.). This occurred when the Exceptions order for the [[Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974]] was changed in July 2009 following debates in the House of Commons<ref>{{cite web|url=https://publications.parliament.uk/pa/cm200809/cmgeneral/deleg4/090630/90630s01.htm|title=House of Commons General Committee on Delegated Legislation|last=Westminster|first=Department of the Official Report (Hansard), House of Commons|website=www.publications.parliament.uk|access-date=2017-07-07}}</ref> and the House of Lords<ref>{{cite web|url=https://publications.parliament.uk/pa/ld200809/ldhansrd/text/90629-gc0003.htm#0906293000264|title=Lords Hansard text for 29 Jun 200929 Jun 2009 (pt 0003)|last=Westminster|first=Department of the Official Report (Hansard), House of Lords|website=www.publications.parliament.uk|access-date=2017-07-07}}</ref> whereby the MLA was added to the list enabling it to get standard level CRB disclosures.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.crb.homeoffice.gov.uk/resource_library/disclosure_news/dn_78_sep_09.aspx|title=DN 78 Sep 09|date=2010-03-04|access-date=2017-07-07|url-status=dead|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20100815085431/http://www.crb.homeoffice.gov.uk/resource_library/disclosure_news/dn_78_sep_09.aspx|archivedate=2010-08-15}}</ref>


The MLA has its own non-governmental certification process whereby companies are vetted and regularly inspected.<ref name="home" /><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.locksmiths.co.uk/about/public/what-is-the-mla/|title=What is the Master Locksmiths Association (MLA)?|date=23 April 2012|website=Master Locksmiths Association official website |accessdate=2017-06-17}}</ref> It currently has about 350 Approved Companies, which can be found through its "Find a Locksmith" website referral program.<ref name="FindCompany">{{cite web|title=Find a Master Locksmith Association approved company member |url=http://www.locksmiths.co.uk/find-a-locksmith/ |website=Master Locksmiths Association official website |accessdate=2017-06-14}}</ref>
Because of this lack of government regulation, various organisations have their own systems; the MLA run an approved company licensing process whereby companies have to be vetted, regularly inspected, and employ a [[Professional certification|professionally certified]] locksmith.<ref name=home/><ref>http://www.locksmiths.co.uk/about/public/what-is-the-mla/</ref>


⚫
==Membership types==
In 2012 the MLA united with [[Neighbourhood Watch (United Kingdom)]]<ref>http://www.ourwatch.org.uk/news_and_events/news/master_locksmiths_association_unite_with_nhwn</ref> in order for the MLA to engage directly with members of the public interested in creating more secure communities.


The MLA has four member sectors:<ref name="Sectors">{{cite web|url=http://www.locksmiths.co.uk/about/trade/mla-sectors/|title=MLA Membership Sectors|website=Master Locksmiths Association official website|accessdate=2017-06-17}}</ref>
⚫
==Membership Categories==
* The British Locksmiths Institute – for educational programs
The MLA has offers 4 different membership categories:<ref>http://www.locksmiths.co.uk/about/trade/how-can-i-join/</ref>
* The Membership sector – for personal and company memberships
* The Affiliate membership sector – for manufacturers and distributors
* The Guild of Keycutters – for the keycutting industry


The MLA offers four grades of individual membership.<ref name=Sectors/> In ascending order of seniority, these are: Student, Advanced Student, Personal, and Fellow.<ref name=Sectors/>
* Affiliate Member ( MLA )
* Approved Company ( MLA )
* Associated Locksmith
* Personal Membership ( BLI )


The MLA also offers two types of organisation membership – Approved Company membership for locksmithing companies and Affiliate membership for manufacturers and distributors.<ref name=Sectors/>
The two main recognised memberships being Approved Company and Affiliate Member in which recognised logos are used<ref>http://www.locksmiths.co.uk/mla-membership-categories-and-logos-to-look-out-for/</ref>


===Former structure===
'''Approved Company'''
Formerly (e.g. in 1998), the four membership divisions were:<ref>{{cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=-9QeAQAAMAAJ&q=%22British+Locksmiths+Institute%22|title=Business Organizations & Agencies Directory|date=6 October 1998|publisher=Gale Research|via=Google Books|isbn=9780787630379}}</ref>
* The British Locksmiths Institute (professional body)
* The MLA Trade Division (trade association)
* The MLA Affiliate Division (manufacturers, wholesalers, etc)
* The Guild of Keycutters.{{cn|date=February 2020}}


==''De facto'' standards body==
These are locksmith companies who have met the stringent “Vetted, Inspected and Qualified” criteria of the MLA<ref>http://www.locksmiths.co.uk/mla-membership-categories-and-logos-to-look-out-for/</ref>
Within the United Kingdom, publishers of books and periodicals about home and business security commonly recommend the use of MLA members as a source of locks, related security hardware, and advice about physical security measures.<ref>{{cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=rY7VcklOquUC&q=%22master+locksmiths+association%22&pg=PA376|title=Facilities Management Handbook|first=Frank|last=Booty|date=9 April 2009|publisher=Routledge|via=Google Books|isbn=9781136440076}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.yorkshirepost.co.uk/news/burglar-proof-your-home-at-holiday-time-1-9269482|title=Burglar proof your home at holiday time|publisher=}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.saga.co.uk/magazine/home-garden/homes-interiors/how-to-guides/how-to-burglar-proof-your-home|title=How to burglar-proof your home|website=www.saga.co.uk}}</ref> This reliance on the MLA by all sectors, in conjunction with the opacity and lack of regulation in the [[Private security|private security industry]] in the United Kingdom, has led scholars to express concerns about the accuracy of claims made both by and about organisations such as the MLA.<ref>{{cite journal|title=How big is the private security sector?|first1=Trevor|last1=Jones|first2=Tim|last2=Newburn|date=1 September 1995|journal=Policing and Society|volume=5|issue=3|pages=221–232|doi=10.1080/10439463.1995.9964725}}</ref><ref>{{cite journal|title=Regulation of the private security industry|first1=Bruce|last1=George|first2=Timothy|last2=Watson|date=1 January 1992|journal=Public Money & Management|volume=12|issue=1|pages=55–57|doi=10.1080/09540969209387697}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|author=ProQuest |url=https://www.proquest.com/openview/2a5c7218395218a904cee1e7c584d021/1?pq-origsite=gscholar&cbl=44392 |title=Security in the home - ProQuest |date= |accessdate=2018-09-15|via = ProQuest}}</ref><ref>{{cite journal|title=A tainted trade? Moral ambivalence and legitimation work in the private security industry1|first1=Angélica|last1=Thumala|first2=Benjamin|last2=Goold|first3=Ian|last3=Loader|date=1 June 2011|journal=The British Journal of Sociology|volume=62|issue=2|pages=283–303|doi=10.1111/j.1468-4446.2011.01365.x|pmid=21631459}}</ref><ref>{{cite journal|title=Written and Unwritten Building Conventions in a Contested City: The Case of Belfast|first=Ralf|last=Brand|date=1 November 2009|journal=Urban Studies|volume=46|issue=12|pages=2669–2689|doi=10.1177/0042098009345538|s2cid=54079336}}</ref>


==See also==
'''Affiliate Member'''
* [[Associated Locksmiths of America]]

These are companies who supply the locksmith industry. They may for example be manufacturers or distributors of security products, wholesalers to the locksmith industry or even insurance companies. Currently.<ref>http://www.locksmiths.co.uk/mla-membership-categories-and-logos-to-look-out-for/</ref> Well recognised Affiliate Members of the MLA are [[Yale]], Mul-T-Lock<ref>http://www.mul-t-lock.co.uk/master-locksmiths-association</ref>, Era<ref>http://www.eraeverywhere.com/about-us/accreditations/<ref>Assa Abloy, Gunnebo etc...

==Security Exhibition==

The MLA also run an bi-annual three-day trade exhibition aimed at the locksmithing and security industry, MLA Expo, and has taken place in [[Telford]].<ref>http://www.locksmiths.co.uk/mla-expo/</ref> since 2006, previously the exhibition was held in Donnington<ref>http://www.locksmiths.co.uk/mla-expo/past-exhibitions/mla-expo-2004/</ref>

== Other activities ==
The [[BBC One]] ''[[Rogue Traders (TV series)|Rogue Traders]]'' has used the MLA to provide expert input.<ref>[http://www.bbc.co.uk/watchdog/consumer_advice/roguetraders_locksmiths_pic.shtml BBC Rogue Traders highlight the MLA] {{wayback|url=http://www.bbc.co.uk/watchdog/consumer_advice/roguetraders_locksmiths_pic.shtml |date=20121027032205 }}</ref> It was with the help of the MLA and expert witness services by one of its members that a rogue locksmith was convicted and sentenced for fraud in 2010.<ref>[http://www.westminster.gov.uk/press-releases/2010-07/dodgy-locksmith-convicted-after-westminster-sting/ Westminster Council highlight MLA involvement in case against rogue locksmith] {{wayback|url=http://www.westminster.gov.uk/press-releases/2010-07/dodgy-locksmith-convicted-after-westminster-sting/ |date=20120331153927 }}</ref>


== References ==
== References ==
Line 68: Line 70:


==External links==
==External links==
* {{official|http://www.locksmiths.co.uk/}}
* {{official website|http://www.locksmiths.co.uk/}}


[[Category:Industry trade groups based in the United Kingdom]]
[[Category:1958 establishments in the United Kingdom]]
[[Category:Rugby, Warwickshire]]
[[Category:Trade associations based in the United Kingdom]]
[[Category:Locksmithing organizations]]
[[Category:Organisations based in Warwickshire]]
[[Category:Organizations established in 1958]]

Latest revision as of 00:16, 13 March 2024

Master Locksmiths Association
AbbreviationMLA
Founded1958
TypeTrade association
Legal statusNon-profit organisation
FocusLocksmithing
HeadquartersRugby, Warwickshire[1]
Area served
United Kingdom
Members1400
Websitewww.locksmiths.co.uk

Master Locksmiths Association (MLA) is a not for profit trade association representing locksmiths in the United Kingdom. It operates a certification program and a referral program to direct consumers to its certified locksmiths. It was established in 1958[2] and has about 1,400 members.[citation needed]

Certification and referral

[edit]

Locksmithing does not come under the Security Industry Authority, and there is no government licensing of locksmiths. This in effect means that anyone can trade as a locksmith irrespective of background, motive or competence. In 2009 it became possible to get a background check on a locksmith (unless employed full-time by a school/hospital etc.). This occurred when the Exceptions order for the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 was changed in July 2009 following debates in the House of Commons[3] and the House of Lords[4] whereby the MLA was added to the list enabling it to get standard level CRB disclosures.[5]

The MLA has its own non-governmental certification process whereby companies are vetted and regularly inspected.[2][6] It currently has about 350 Approved Companies, which can be found through its "Find a Locksmith" website referral program.[7]

Membership types

[edit]

The MLA has four member sectors:[8]

  • The British Locksmiths Institute – for educational programs
  • The Membership sector – for personal and company memberships
  • The Affiliate membership sector – for manufacturers and distributors
  • The Guild of Keycutters – for the keycutting industry

The MLA offers four grades of individual membership.[8] In ascending order of seniority, these are: Student, Advanced Student, Personal, and Fellow.[8]

The MLA also offers two types of organisation membership – Approved Company membership for locksmithing companies and Affiliate membership for manufacturers and distributors.[8]

Former structure

[edit]

Formerly (e.g. in 1998), the four membership divisions were:[9]

  • The British Locksmiths Institute (professional body)
  • The MLA Trade Division (trade association)
  • The MLA Affiliate Division (manufacturers, wholesalers, etc)
  • The Guild of Keycutters.[citation needed]

De facto standards body

[edit]

Within the United Kingdom, publishers of books and periodicals about home and business security commonly recommend the use of MLA members as a source of locks, related security hardware, and advice about physical security measures.[10][11][12] This reliance on the MLA by all sectors, in conjunction with the opacity and lack of regulation in the private security industry in the United Kingdom, has led scholars to express concerns about the accuracy of claims made both by and about organisations such as the MLA.[13][14][15][16][17]

See also

[edit]

References

[edit]
  1. ^ "Master Locksmiths Association gets keys to new HQ". The Business Desk. 15 September 2019. Retrieved 17 November 2022.
  2. ^ a b "Find a Locksmith". Master Locksmiths Association official website. Retrieved 17 June 2017.
  3. ^ Westminster, Department of the Official Report (Hansard), House of Commons. "House of Commons General Committee on Delegated Legislation". www.publications.parliament.uk. Retrieved 7 July 2017.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)
  4. ^ Westminster, Department of the Official Report (Hansard), House of Lords. "Lords Hansard text for 29 Jun 200929 Jun 2009 (pt 0003)". www.publications.parliament.uk. Retrieved 7 July 2017.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)
  5. ^ "DN 78 Sep 09". 4 March 2010. Archived from the original on 15 August 2010. Retrieved 7 July 2017.
  6. ^ "What is the Master Locksmiths Association (MLA)?". Master Locksmiths Association official website. 23 April 2012. Retrieved 17 June 2017.
  7. ^ "Find a Master Locksmith Association approved company member". Master Locksmiths Association official website. Retrieved 14 June 2017.
  8. ^ a b c d "MLA Membership Sectors". Master Locksmiths Association official website. Retrieved 17 June 2017.
  9. ^ Business Organizations & Agencies Directory. Gale Research. 6 October 1998. ISBN 9780787630379 – via Google Books.
  10. ^ Booty, Frank (9 April 2009). Facilities Management Handbook. Routledge. ISBN 9781136440076 – via Google Books.
  11. ^ "Burglar proof your home at holiday time".
  12. ^ "How to burglar-proof your home". www.saga.co.uk.
  13. ^ Jones, Trevor; Newburn, Tim (1 September 1995). "How big is the private security sector?". Policing and Society. 5 (3): 221–232. doi:10.1080/10439463.1995.9964725.
  14. ^ George, Bruce; Watson, Timothy (1 January 1992). "Regulation of the private security industry". Public Money & Management. 12 (1): 55–57. doi:10.1080/09540969209387697.
  15. ^ ProQuest. "Security in the home - ProQuest". Retrieved 15 September 2018 – via ProQuest.
  16. ^ Thumala, Angélica; Goold, Benjamin; Loader, Ian (1 June 2011). "A tainted trade? Moral ambivalence and legitimation work in the private security industry1". The British Journal of Sociology. 62 (2): 283–303. doi:10.1111/j.1468-4446.2011.01365.x. PMID 21631459.
  17. ^ Brand, Ralf (1 November 2009). "Written and Unwritten Building Conventions in a Contested City: The Case of Belfast". Urban Studies. 46 (12): 2669–2689. doi:10.1177/0042098009345538. S2CID 54079336.
[edit]
Retrieved from "https://en.wikipedia.org/enwiki/w/index.php?title=Master_Locksmiths_Association&oldid=1213427322"