Editor's note: This brief was summarised by The Property AI Newsroom from a report by Property Industry Eye. Read the original article for full details.

Property Agents Urged to Review Lone-Working Procedures

Property agencies are being urged to review their lone-working procedures following the 40th anniversary of estate agent Suzy Lamplugh's disappearance. Propertymark has refreshed its personal safety and lone-working guidance for agents, covering risk assessments, staff training, check-in systems, and incident reporting.

The updated guidance comes as a reminder of the risks faced by property professionals who regularly work alone, including those in sales, lettings, commercial property, auctions, and inventories. Propertymark's advice highlights the need for employers to assess risks based on the type of work, location, and individual circumstances, with staff involved in developing and reviewing these procedures.

Risk assessments should take into account factors such as previous threats or disputes, isolated locations, poor mobile coverage, out-of-hours appointments, unexpected attendees, and known hazards at properties. Staff training is recommended to help agents recognise warning signs, respond to changing situations, manage conflict, and leave safely if necessary.

Propertymark also advises that workers should be empowered to end or rearrange appointments if they feel unsafe. Agencies are encouraged to implement systems that record where lone workers are, who they are meeting, and when they are expected to check in. Procedures should outline actions to be taken if a check-in is missed or an alarm is raised, and equipment and emergency arrangements should be regularly tested, with alternatives in place for situations where devices fail or mobile coverage is unavailable.

The guidance further calls for structured procedures for reporting violence, threats, stalking, harassment, and near misses, as well as providing practical and wellbeing support for staff following an incident.