Master Locksmiths Association

Master Locksmiths Association
Abbreviation MLA
Founded 1958
Type Trade association
Legal status Non-profit organisation
Focus Locksmithing
Headquarters Woodford Halse, Daventry, Northamptonshire
Area served
United Kingdom
Members
1400
Website www.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 1,400 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] It also operates a certification program.

Certification program

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, and 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, motivation or competence. Until 2009 it was not possible to get a true background check on a locksmith (unless employed full-time by a school/hospital etc.). This changed when an exceptions order for the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 was introduced 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]

The MLA also run an annual three-day trade exhibition, the MLA Expo, which takes place in Telford.[8]

Other activities

The BBC One television series Rogue Traders has used the MLA to provide expert input.[9] 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.[10]

References

  1. 1 2 "Master Locksmiths Association (MLA) Find a Locksmith - Locksmith Training".
  2. 1 2 "House of Commons General Committee on Delegated Legislation".
  3. ↑ Judith, Pal (5 May 2009). "Locksmith NYC". www.911locksmithservices.com. Retrieved 15 June 2016.
  4. ↑ "Individual Licensing".
  5. ↑ "Lords Hansard text for 29 Jun 200929 Jun 2009 (pt 0003)".
  6. ↑ Criminal Records Bureau confirm MLA registered for CRB checks
  7. ↑ "What is the Master Locksmiths Association (MLA)? - Master Locksmiths Association". 23 April 2012.
  8. ↑ "MLA Expo 2017 - Europe's Largest Locksmith & Security Exhibition". 16 April 2012.
  9. ↑ BBC Rogue Traders highlight the MLA Archived October 27, 2012, at the Wayback Machine.
  10. ↑ Westminster Council highlight MLA involvement in case against rogue locksmith Archived March 31, 2012, at the Wayback Machine.
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