Propertymark issues updated lone working advice

Propertymark has issued updated guidance for estate agents who conduct lone viewings, as the sector marks 40 years since Suzy Lamplugh disappeared.

The new advice is designed to help property agents assess risks and strengthen lone-working procedures.

Lamplugh left her London office for an appointment in 1986 and never returned. Her disappearance led her parents, Diana and Paul Lamplugh, to establish the Suzy Lamplugh Trust, which works to raise awareness of personal safety and stalking.

Assess risks

Employers should assess the risks associated with lone working, considering the work, location, and individual circumstances. Staff should help draw up and review procedures, based on their frontline experience, Propertymark says.

Risk assessments should identify when tasks can be undertaken alone and when additional support is needed. Factors to consider include previous threats, existing disputes, isolated locations, poor mobile coverage, out-of-hours appointments, unexpected attendees, and known property hazards.

Training should ensure staff can recognise warning signs, reassess changing situations, manage conflict, leave safely, raise the alarm, and report concerns.

All agencies should have a reliable system for recording where lone workers are, who they are meeting, and when they are expected to check back in.

Weighs heavily

Kim Lidbury, ARLA Propertymark President, says: “Suzy’s disappearance shocked the nation and remains an event that, to this day, weighs heavily on the minds of those working within property.

“Raising awareness and tackling issues surrounding lone working and harassment extends far beyond the boundaries of the property sector, and must remain at the forefront of people’s minds.”

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