In Focus Collections
Bailiff reforms are the answer: now, what is the question?
The latest review of enforcement is an important way for the industry to continue to promote best practice, as well as public understanding
Russell Hamblin-Boone Chief executive officer, CIVEA
ceo@civea.co.uk
The Ministry of Justice (MoJ) will be satisfied with the broad welcome given to its long-awaited One Year Review of Enforcement Agent Reforms, which were introduced in 2014. In the last few years, debt-collection
methods have adapted to a change in social attitudes about indebtedness, vulnerability, and forbearance. A new approach to social justice has been
codified in new regulations for enforcement agents (who are most commonly known as bailiffs) under the Tribunals, Courts and Enforcement Act. Firms are committed to act responsibly
and support people who are in debt. While there are still isolated examples of heavy- handed tactics, as the report says, for the most part the industry has embraced the reforms.
Standards of conduct The regulations set out standards of conduct and rules for civil enforcement. This was a significant development that was welcomed by enforcement agencies, which saw an opportunity to distance themselves from the past. At the heart of the reform was the principle
of fair and proportionate treatment of people in debt, with special attention to those who may be vulnerable. Along with an extensive training and
certification process for enforcement agents, this principle has become part of the DNA of the enforcement sector, which we represent.
May 2018 As part of this review, the MoJ will be
Firms are committed to act responsibly and support people who are in debt. While there are still isolated examples of heavy-handed tactics, as the report says, for the most part the industry has embraced the reforms
publishing a call for evidence. We certainly welcome an expert analysis that examines whether there is any substantive case for further intervention. The best way to root out rogue practice is
to set high standards, which only the best firms can meet. As an industry body, we are only as strong as our weakest member, so it is in our interest to uphold the highest standards. The enforcement sector employs close
supervision and constant monitoring to ensure that standards of conduct are without reproach. For example, all enforcement agents are required to
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