The Master Locksmiths Association is a non-profit making body; established to set and promote standards of conduct, practice and materials within locksmithing. It also encourages its members to further their knowledge through ongoing education, regional meetings, seminars and the information disseminated made available through its membership magazine, Keyways.

Standards of entry to the MLA are high and its motto of "Skill and Integrity" emphasise its determination to ensure that the public, government and industry receive the correct service and advice on security matters from its members.

The MLA is recognised as the authoritative body for locksmithing by: -

• The Police
  many forces will encourage those in need of a locksmith to use MLA Trade Division members.
• Home Office
  The MLA has been instrumental in campaigning for national standards in the locksmith industry and the regulation (through licensing) of the Private security Industry.
• British Standards Institute
  the MLA supplies a panel of its members to assess locks under BS3621 clauses 4 and I 0 on their behalf.
• Sold Secure
  An attack test house, wholly owned by the MLA. It operates its own scheme, which is recognised by the Home Office, insurers and police. All testers are MLA members and the assessments are to its’ own high specifications.
• Association of British Insurers (ABI), Building Research Establishment (BRE) and many other trade and professional bodies all acknowledge the MLA as the authoritative body in its’ field.

Until the Security Industry Authority brings locksmiths under the Regulation of the Private Security Industry Act, the MLA licences its Approved Company to use its highly esteemed logo. To gain this licence, applicant locksmithing companies undergo the MLA’s inspection procedures.

By having its own inspectorate the MLA demonstrates that its high standards are being met by all Approved Companies and, to ensure maintenance of these standards, every company is inspected on a regular basis. The main subject of an inspection is the workmanship of its members and their operatives. It is also important to the Association that all members conform to legal requirements and that systems exist to service customer satisfaction.

The Master Locksmiths Association now has a comprehensive national network of Approved Companies and the Association's Head Office directs enquirers to their nearest licensed locksmith company on a daily basis.

The logo depicted right is the one that is advertised by an approved company on their premises, vehicles and stationery, confirming to the public the standards expected of them. Channels of arbitration exist to fully investigate any complaints or disputes, should they arise, and the MLA advises or takes necessary action.