Noticeboard Members of the Scottish Branch heard a well-balanced programme that highlighted the challenges and opportunities facing the profession – and prompted healthy debate – at their annual conference in Paisley, in November. The theme ‘Approaching a crossroads’ focused on the plethora of current reviews of trading standards in Scotland and furth* of its borders, and highlighted much collaborative work that enables the service to continue to punch above its weight. Opportunities abound, but threats and weaknesses were never far from delegates’ minds. Speaker Dave Thompson, SNP MSP for Skye, Lochaber and Badenoch, and vice-president of CTSI, said: ‘As a former director of trading standards in the Highlands and vice-president of CTSI, it was great to be among delegates, friends and colleagues at the recent CTSI Scotland Conference, and to be given the opportunity to speak. ‘It is a pivotal time within the trading standards industry, with the latest Scotland Bill set to transfer power over consumer advocacy and advice, and elements of competition policy. However, I believe we would do more if we had a unified, statutory body and all the powers to create a more holistic – and, therefore, more streamlined strategy – making it easier for folk to get help when they need it.’ Veronica McGinley, chairman of the Scottish Branch, replied: ‘The devolution of advocacy and advice to the Scottish Parliament creates an opportunity to look at the provision of consumer protection in Scotland as a whole. The trading standards service is recognised as a valuable asset, ensuring that consumers are protected, and businesses supported and safe from unfair trading practices, creating a fair and equitable marketplace for all. McGinley added: ‘The recent Audit Scotland Report, Protecting Consumers, highlighted resourcing of trading standards services as an issue. As a branch, we support action that will improve the provision of this vital service and its role in protecting consumers and businesses.” * Scottish word meaning ‘out; outside; to the outside’ Not all doom and gloom Members are reminded that they can enrol for Core Skills in Consumer Affairs and Trading Standards (CSCATS) and Diploma in Consumer Affairs and Trading Standards (DCATS) modules with CTSI. The courses are due to start in April 2016, for the professional qualification within the Trading Standards Qualification Framework. This tutor-led, blended-learning solution combines an online programme with telephone tutorials and face-to-face training days. It offers 24-hour, easy access, flexible learning plans for students to study at their convenience, and boasts a consistent success rate of more than 80 per cent. Register now on CTSI’s website. TSI academy registration now open Dave Merry has spoken about becoming only the sixth honorary member in CTSI’s 132-year history, after being officially presented with his award in November. Merry was first rewarded for his outstanding contribution to the profession over the past 40 years at CTSI Conference, in July. However, he was re-presented with the award during a hallmarking information seminar at Goldsmiths’ Company Assay Office on 16 November. Merry, head of training, education and trading standards liaison at The Goldsmiths’ Company Assay Office, said: ‘I feel very honoured to have received this award and look forward to continuing my work with my colleagues at CTSI. ‘It’s really important that we stop as many of these [rogue] manufacturers as we can. It damages the trade and undermines the work we do to ensure that the correct standards are met in precious metal manufacture.’ Merry, the longest-serving staff member at The Goldsmiths’ Company, often works closely with trading standards officers, joining them on raids and inspections and assisting with the identification of counterfeits, non-precious metal items and counterfeit hallmarks. CTSI honour for Merry Does your trading standards team have a particularly interesting case it would like to share with TS Today readers on consumer disputes or legal and intellectual property (IP) issues? Then email them to appear in two special, themed issues in 2016. Consumer disputes will be featured in our March issue, while legal and IP will be our focus in October. Any copy to be considered for publication should be sent one month before the publication month. Got a story to share? All articles featured in TS Today and TS Review are available in pdf format from CTSI press office, by emailing pressoffice@tsi.org.uk Strokes of genius Scottish Branch members were out in force for their annual golf outing at Westerwood Golf and Country Club, in Cumbernauld, recently. Having arranged the weather, Jim McPake then played a solid round, during which it rained sporadically on him, but not on the other teams. Individual glory went to the camera-shy Bryce Findlay, with 36 stableford points, while the bestlooking team of Gordon Campbell, ‘token’ environmental health officer (retired), John Scott, from Cumbria, and Peter Fergie, representing North Lanarkshire, scored a total of 88 points to take the team prize. Peter Fergie MCTSI, CTSI Scottish Branch executive member, said: ‘All participants are congratulated for their excellent turnout and great craic during the event. ‘It remains for Findlay (currently unattached) to organise next year’s event – and the good weather, please!’ The winner of the CTSI Conference stand competition for 2015 has finally been revealed. Claire Dartnell, from Kent, has won a Christmas hamper after sending in a snapshot of herself wearing her CTSI Conference delegate backpack during a family trip to Colchester Zoo. All delegates had the chance to be a winner by sending a photo of themselves wearing the backpack in an interesting place, by the deadline of 30 November. Claire bags the prize Opening session speakers, with Provost of Renfrewshire, Anne Hall (front left), Dave Thompson (centre) and Veronica McGinley (front right) Left to right: Messrs Fergie, Campbell and Scott