Chris Nichols, CEO, Enforcement Conduct Board
Today, we have formally launched our accreditation scheme! In this ‘accreditation special’ blog I will set out why this matters, and what it will mean in practice.
What’s this all about then?
The ECB was set up to bring accountability to the enforcement sector and to ensure that everyone experiencing enforcement action is treated fairly.
In the absence of statutory powers, we decided to establish an accreditation scheme to provide the framework through which we would, in practice, create accountability and exercise our oversight of enforcement firms.
The scheme offers enforcement firms an opportunity to make a public commitment to both accountability and high standards. And it will also help creditors to drive good practice by ensuring that they only contract with accredited firms who have made an active commitment to ECB oversight.
How will it work?
Firms will need to apply annually for accreditation, and the framework and expectations will evolve over time.
For the first year, as set out in our business plan, firms will be required to commit to the following in order to be accredited:
- Complying with the current Ministry of Justice National Standards
- Providing us with Quarterly Data Returns – we will consult on the content of these later in the year
- Providing information to us on request
- Payment of the levy in a timely fashion
The accreditation framework also includes some high-level sanctions that we will be able to apply for breaches of these criteria.
In year one, we won’t actively monitor compliance with the existing standards, or handle complaints, as we will be focussed on developing our own standards and oversight model. However, we will have the ability to carry out targeted reviews if we become aware of any serious issues that are likely to have a significant impact on members of the public.
The year two accreditation criteria will evolve to reflect the fact that from late Summer 2024, we will be implementing our own standards and code of practice and starting operational oversight and complaints handling. Look out for details of our emerging thinking on these areas over the coming months.
How can firms apply?
To apply for accreditation, enforcement firms will need to complete and return an application form in which they will commit to meeting the accreditation criteria and adhering to the accreditation framework.
Full details on how to apply, including the application form, can be found on our website at www.enforcementconductboard.org/accreditation.
At this stage, we are inviting applications from independent enforcement firms and sole traders.
We are not currently seeking applications from in-house enforcement teams at Local Authorities. We plan to open for applications from these teams from early 2024, following further work and engagement with this part of the industry.
Looking ahead
Shortly after I started at the ECB six months ago, we set our sights on launching accreditation by the end of the summer. It’s fantastic to have now reached this stage.
Many enforcement firms have already contributed funds towards the creation and operation of the ECB, which demonstrates industry’s support for our work and mission. By applying for accreditation, individual firms will now be making a further, formal commitment to accountability and high standards. And in doing so, they will be taking us one step closer to ensuring that everyone experiencing enforcement action is treated fairly and protected from poor practice.
From late October, we will publish a register of all ECB accredited firms on our website, so that creditors and those who use enforcement services can start to take this into account in their contracting decisions. Keep an eye out for this.
I look forward to sharing further updates on the uptake of accreditation in future blogs. For now, it is full steam ahead!