Our Work
ECB Standards
The ECB Standards set out what good enforcement practice looks like and the outcomes that ECB-accredited enforcement firms and their staff are expected to achieve. They provide a clear, consistent benchmark for fair enforcement and help everyone involved understand what should happen in practice.
The Standards were first published in October 2024 and will be updated in January 2027 to include further standards on vulnerability and ability to pay.
They cover the work of enforcement agents and enforcement firms and frontline staff, including contact-centre teams.
Read the Standards
ECB Standards for Firms
ECB Standards for Agents
Why the Standards exist
The Taking Control of Goods Regulations set out what enforcement agents are allowed to do when enforcing a debt, but do not fully explain how enforcement action should be carried out. The ECB Standards address this gap by setting clear expectations for conduct, service and decision-making.
The Standards build on the Ministry of Justice’s National Standards and reflect current enforcement practice, including the use of body-worn video and the role of firms and other frontline staff. They are intended to ensure consistently high standards and fair treatment whenever enforcement action is taken by an ECB-accredited firm.
Who the Standards apply to
The Standards apply to ECB-accredited enforcement firms and the people who work for them. There are separate Standards for firms and for individual enforcement agents.
Creditors also play an important role in the enforcement process. The Ministry of Justice’s National Standards for creditors continue to apply while the ECB works with creditors to identify where practice can be strengthened.
How the Standards fit within accreditation
Meeting the Standards is a condition of ECB accreditation. Accredited firms must be able to demonstrate that their policies, systems and day-to-day practice meet the relevant requirements.
The ECB oversees accredited firms against the Standards and can act where it identifies breaches. In serious or persistent cases, this may include imposing sanctions. Find out more about the ECB’s operational oversight model.
Vulnerability Standards
The Vulnerability Standards have been developed and will be added at a later stage so there could be additional consultation and discussion on this complex area. Further information on our approach to vulnerability can be found here