Having spent my first weeks at the ECB hearing from lots of different voices across the enforcement and debt advice sector, I’m taking over Chris’ usual monthly blog to say thank you to all those who have met with me so far and been kind enough to share their reflections and ideas with me. I’m grateful that so many of you have been, and continue to be, so generous with your time and expertise.
About me
For those who have yet to meet or work with me, I joined the ECB back in October from the Civil Service. Over the course of my career there, I held various roles including Head of the Help to Buy and Self Commissioned Housing programme and Housing and Local Government adviser to the Prime Minister. Having begun my career in Haringey Council, I also have experience of local government.
My priorities
My role at the ECB sees me leading on two of the priority areas set out in our business plan: the development of new standards for the enforcement industry and devising the ECB’s complaints handling function.
These areas of our work will be key to our oversight and will have a significant impact on people experiencing enforcement, the enforcement industry, the advice sector and beyond.
And that’s why it’s so important that in the development of these projects, the process is transparent and collaborative and that we work together to develop a solution that ensures that everyone experiencing enforcement is fairly treated and is sustainable for the whole sector.
A major part of the development of the standards will be holding workshops in different locations across England, Wales and online for all those who are impacted by enforcement, including enforcement agents, firms and the debt advice sector.
At the start of next year, I will be sharing a timetable for the standards work and the opportunities for our stakeholders to engage in the policy development process.
We want to get as wide a range of views as possible so please do keep an eye on our social media channels for further details on how to get involved.
Reflections on my ECB journey so far
My first two months with the ECB have been busy and invigorating – and in equal measure!
From spending the day in Manchester with an experienced enforcement agent getting a sense of what a day is really like enforcing liability orders to spending time listening to calls coming into National Debt Line in Birmingham, I have prioritised seeing how things work in practice, and on the ground.
I’ve also spent some time hearing about the benefits of new approaches to enforcement, information sharing and co-operative working – ideas that I hope we can build on with the work that I will be leading for the ECB.
Hearing from individuals working for smaller organisations including specialist debt advisors as well as individual agents, consultants and academics has also been invaluable and given me a lot of food for thought.
2024..and beyond
As 2023 draws to a close, we are all, as a team, reflecting on the progress that we’ve made this year and are looking forward to building on this work in 2024 when we will continue immersing ourselves in and understanding the field that we’re operating in – and from all perspectives and views.
Once again, please do keep an eye out for updates on the forthcoming workshops– we’d love to hear from you.
Hannah Semple
Director of Policy and Oversight