Best Benefit Ever: Critical Advocacy Intel

What’s the benefit? Most associations engage in some form of advocacy to promote members’ interests to government. But the number of groups that can claim to have had a major influence on public policy is smaller, making effective representation all the more important. The British Security Industry Association makes sure its members have the updates and information they need to be engaged in BSIA’s lobbying efforts. One critical tool: Its legislative news database  (opens in a new tab).

Representation to Government is the no.1 benefit of BSIA membership, say our members – find out more at http://t.co/knnCZz4xnb  (opens in a new tab) #security  (opens in a new tab)

— The BSIA (@thebsia) October 13, 2014  (opens in a new tab)

Why it works for members: The security industry, like many others, always faces the possibility of legislative and regulatory disruption, and BSIA “has sought to ensure that its members have an in-depth understanding of how clauses affect their type of business.” The association has proved its advocacy chops in the past. One example: the passage of the Private Security Industry Act  (opens in a new tab) in 2001, after more than 10 years of lobbying.

Other benefits: When it comes to business support, discounts, and networking events, BSIA has members covered with a long list of offerings  (opens in a new tab). It also works to raise member profiles by sharing stories  (opens in a new tab)of how they have worked with institutions around the U.K. to improve security. For more details, check out BSIA’s an extensive video on membership:

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