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Master Locksmiths Association

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Master Locksmiths Association
Founded1958
TypeTrade association
FocusLocksmithing
Area served
United Kingdom
Methodapproval through vetting and inspection
Members1400
Websitewww.locksmiths.co.uk

Master Locksmiths Association (MLA) is a not for profit trade association representing and approving Locksmiths in the United Kingdom. It was established in 1958 and now has 1400 members.[1] In 2008 the MLA was referred to by the then Minister of State, Ministry of Justice, Maria Eagle, as the "principal trade body representing locksmiths and promoting standards within the industry".[2] It is also the association referred to by the Association of Chief Police Officers in their Secured by Design program.[3]

Background and operation

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),[4] 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[2] and the House of Lords[5] whereby the MLA was added to the list enabling it to get standard level CRB disclosures.[6]

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 professionally certified locksmith.[1][7]

In 2012 the MLA united with Neighbourhood Watch (United Kingdom)[8] in order for the MLA to engage directly with members of the public interested in creating more secure communities.

Membership Categories

The MLA has offers 4 different membership categories:[9]

  • Affiliate Member ( MLA )
  • Approved Company ( MLA )
  • Associated Locksmith
  • Personal Membership ( BLI )

The two main recognised memberships being Approved Company and Affiliate Member in which recognised logos are used[10]

Approved Company

These are locksmith companies who have met the stringent “Vetted, Inspected and Qualified” criteria of the MLA[11]

Affiliate Member

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.[12] Well recognised Affiliate Members of the MLA are Yale, Mul-T-Lock[13], EraCite error: A <ref> tag is missing the closing </ref> (see the help page). since 2006, previously the exhibition was held in Donnington[14]

Other activities

The BBC One Rogue Traders has used the MLA to provide expert input.[15] 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.[16]

References

  1. ^ a b MLA established in 1958
  2. ^ a b House of Commons committee deliberations
  3. ^ Association of Chief Police Officers Secured By Design
  4. ^ Security Industry Authority licensing some parts of the security industry
  5. ^ House of Lords committee deliberations
  6. ^ Criminal Records Bureau confirm MLA registered for CRB checks
  7. ^ http://www.locksmiths.co.uk/about/public/what-is-the-mla/
  8. ^ http://www.ourwatch.org.uk/news_and_events/news/master_locksmiths_association_unite_with_nhwn
  9. ^ http://www.locksmiths.co.uk/about/trade/how-can-i-join/
  10. ^ http://www.locksmiths.co.uk/mla-membership-categories-and-logos-to-look-out-for/
  11. ^ http://www.locksmiths.co.uk/mla-membership-categories-and-logos-to-look-out-for/
  12. ^ http://www.locksmiths.co.uk/mla-membership-categories-and-logos-to-look-out-for/
  13. ^ http://www.mul-t-lock.co.uk/master-locksmiths-association
  14. ^ http://www.locksmiths.co.uk/mla-expo/past-exhibitions/mla-expo-2004/
  15. ^ BBC Rogue Traders highlight the MLA Archived 2012-10-27 at the Wayback Machine
  16. ^ Westminster Council highlight MLA involvement in case against rogue locksmith Archived 2012-03-31 at the Wayback Machine
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