Noticeboard New board appointments boost consumer protection collaboration CTSIs Carol Brady has been appointed as a non-trade director of the board of TrustMark. Brady (left) is already chairman of the CTSI board, and it is hoped that her new appointment will increase the government-endorsed nd a trader schemes opportunities for collaborative working with other industry bodies and consumer protection groups. Jon Vanstone, who includes the chairmanship of the Competent Persons Forum in his portfolio, has also been appointed as a board member. Both are elected for a three-year term. Brady runs her own consultancy and, in addition to her CTSI responsibilities, works with several organisations, including the body that operates the Consumer Code for Home Builders. She has more than 30 years experience in consumer protection policy and practice, and has been appointed as a non-trade director to TrustMark. After her appointment, she said: I know only too well how schemes such as TrustMark can drive up consumer condence and satisfaction in a marketplace that can often be seen as dominated by rogues. I believe there is a close synergy between CTSIs Consumer Codes Approval Scheme and TrustMark in particular, the vital part such schemes play in supporting reputable and honest tradesmen, and protecting consumers in the decisions they make. Liz Male, chairman of the board, said: On behalf of Trustmark, Im so pleased to welcome such talent and experience, which will support our strategy of strong collaborations and the development of new services to serve the industry and consumers. TrustMarks board currently consists of three trade directors, two non-trade directors and an independent chairman. Future challenges As the deadline for the governments latest Spending Review fast approaches, CTSI chief executive Leon Livermore sets out what he envisages will be the greatest challenges facing trading standards over the next three years. Chancellor George Osborne is expected to reveal how a further 20bn of cuts will affect individual government departments on 25 November, when the Spending Review is published alongside the autumn statement. Touchstone award presentation witnessed by full council Look out for TS Review this month The latest issue of TS Review should be landing on your doormats this month (November), packed to the brim with useful and insightful content including how trading standards is helping tackle organised crime gangs, the EUs Consumer Rights Directive, and Matt Allwrights view on all things consumer. Dont forget to ll out the latest Continuing Personal Professional Development (CPPD) module (page 41) to gain your CPPD points. Answers must be submitted by 22 January 2016. And dont miss your opportunity to win 25-worth of Marks and Spencer vouchers by lling in our regular Downtime quiz. Finally, let us know what you think of CTSIs publications by completing the short survey on TS Review and TS Today, which will be appearing as a one-page insert in TS Review. It will also be available to ll in online. We hope you enjoy the issue. The editorial team A packed Manchester City Council chamber watched as Christopher Jewitt chairman of the British Hallmarking Council presented its trading standards service with the coveted Touchstone Award in September. The award, which was officially presented at CTSI Conference in the summer, recognised the authoritys joint investigation with Greater Manchester Police after a target-led inspection programme in 2014. This revealed significant non-compliance with hallmarking. Judges said the joint expertise of the trading standards service and the UK Assay Offices was essential in this successful operation. The award is sponsored by the UKs four Assay Offices, and rewards those local authorities that pursue hallmarking fraudsters. The presentation is made under the Lord Mayors Special Business section in the video agenda.