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Noticeboard Officers urged to promote consumer codes scheme Businesses are being urged to join one of the UKs most robust and trusted consumer codes-of-practice schemes after the total amount itprotects topped 50bn per year. The Consumer Codes Approval Scheme (CCAS) is a growing group of sector-specific consumer codes each sponsored by an industry body and vetted by CTSI. The scheme differs from many peer-review sites because those trading under it have made a public pledge to go above and beyond consumer law. For example, all 42,000 businesses operating under the scheme must engage in alternative dispute resolution (ADR) that allows customers to assert their rights without the expense of going tocourt. The scheme is especially popular with businesses concerned with big-ticket household items, such as cars and double glazing even housing, with specific codes for tenants and homeowners. CTSI is always ready to welcome more codes of practice and encourages trading standards officers to point out the approved scheme to trade associations and similar bodies with which they have dealings, as a way of ensuring best practice. Gerry Fitzjohn, from code sponsor The Property Ombudsmen (TPO), joined the scheme when it launched in 2013. He said: More than 95 per cent of UK sales agents, and 85 per cent of UK letting agents, have voluntarily agreed to follow TPOs approved sales and lettings codes. The sheer number demonstrates the value placed on TPOs approved codes by the property sector. This can only be a good thing for consumers and the industry alike, and I would encourage all approved businesses to explain these important benefits to their clients. Sennocke International and Consumer Code for New Homes (CCNH) are the latest firms to join the codes scheme. Sarah Langley, general manager at CCNH, said a government report had highlighted the need for improvements in the service received by consumers when they buy a new home: The Consumer Code for New Homes wasestablished to improve standards and ensure consumers are treated fairly by developers, giving them access to speedy, low-cost dispute resolution if they need it. goT aN opINIoN? We want to hear it. Email tstoday@ tsi.org.uk to add your voice to the discussion. We reserve the right to edit letters. scam-prevention training for bank staff Bank staff are to be trained to spot signs that a customer may be withdrawing cash to give to a scammer. The Banking Protocol is a new scheme aimed at ensuring that banks and the police are more active in protecting customers. It is a joint venture between National Trading Standards, the police, and Financial Fraud Action, which represents banks. Staff who interact with customers at banks, building societies and post offices will be told to look out for specific signs that a client may be the victim of ongoing fraud. If they have suspicions, they are encouraged to call the police and give a special password. It is hoped the scheme will help reduce financial crime by spotting scams before money has been handed over. Environmental health collaborating centre set up to offer guidance cma consultation feedback welcome The Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) is consulting on proposed changes to the way it carries out market investigation, to help streamline its processes and ensure it meets the shorter statutory timescale. proposed changes include: increasing interaction with stakeholders at an early stage in the investigation; reducing the number of formal publication and consultation stages; and allowing market studies to carry out preparatory work when they are likely to lead to a full investigation. Interested parties are encouraged to respond to the consultation, which will run until 2 May 2017. Improving Performance in Practice (iPiP) has launched the Environmental Health Collaborating Centre (EHCC), which builds upon the successful model of its long-established Tobacco Control Collaborating Centre. The EHCC will work across the full range of environmental health professional practice, incorporating the disciplines of food, housing, health and safety in the workplace, environmental protection and health protection. The centre is led by environmental health professionals Ian Gray and Paul Hooper, and is supported by nationally and internationally recognised environmental health experts some of whom were previously employed by the Chartered Institute of Environmental Health. The EHCC will be available to assist authorities and their officers in meeting their needs for specialist advice and practical guidance, Hooper explained. For more information, email iPiP or call them on 01926 490111. Remembering a hero One of CTSIs heroes has died at the age of 97. John William Gale, from Kent, received the CTSI Hero Award in 2012 for his bravery inhelping to catch two rogue traders, and for his work in educating others about the threats from fraudsters. Born in 1919, Gale joined the Bedfordshire and Hertfordshire regiment of the Kings Royal Rifle Corps during World War II. He was captured during the defence of Calais in 1940 and was interned in Auschwitz concentration camp. Here, he was subject to various experiments, including being forced into a tank of freezing cold wateruntil he passed out, then injected with a solution to revive him. The Germans were working on an idea to rescue their fighter pilots from the Channel if they got shot down. Gale survived, but others didnot. In 1945, Gale was one of many Allied prisoners forced to march west as the Germans fled the Russian advance. In the depths of winter, he managed to escape and went on the run. While attempting to steal food from the cookhouse at an airfield, he was caught by a member of the Womens Auxiliary Air Force. It was only then that he heard the war was over and the RAF had taken over the base. By then he was reduced to skin and bone. In 2010, he was conned out of cash for unnecessary guttering and fascia work by rogue traders John Hanley and John Brien. Rebecca Simmons, trading standards officer at Kent County Council, said: Mr Gale continued to help us by promoting the case and being interviewed by the media. I have no doubt that he helped to prevent many other vulnerable people from falling victim to rogues such as these. Our department was very proud when he was given the Hero Award in 2012. NEW guIDE For H o m E - I m p r ov E m E N T buSINESSES CTSI has published new guidance aimed at improving customer service in the home-improvements sector and in those that supply and fit goods in peoples homes. The guide provides businesses with free, accurate, practical and up-to-date advice on all trading standards law. There is also a short animation that accompanies the guide. may date for operation rogue trader 2017 Operation Rogue Trader 2017 will take place from 8 May, with a joint enforcement day on 10 May. It follows the success of the 2016 week of action, in which trading standards services, the police and other agencies including the Environment Agency and Scambusters coordinated efforts across the country to catch rogue traders, and to raise awareness of the crimes. It is hoped that the 2017 events will again be widespread. Operation Rogue Trader is run by trading standards and Operation Liberal, the national intelligence unit with a remit that includes burglary and fraud. Before the event gets under way, Operation Liberal will commit to issuing a National Rogue Trader Intelligence Assessment. Find out more by emailing op.liberal@liberal.pnn.police.uk