Credit, collections & insolvency news
After two years of detailed work, the Civil Enforcement Association (CIVEA) has welcomed the launch of a ground-breaking oversight body for the civil enforcement industry.
CIVEA is the principal trade association that represents the civil enforcement industry in England and Wales and was instrumental in designing the blueprint for the independent Enforcement Conduct Board (ECB).
A unique partnership between the debt advice sector and the enforcement industry, with support from the Centre for Social Justice (CSJ), has led to the establishment of the ECB to bring independent, objective, and effective supervision against a backdrop of increasing household debt and unpaid government revenues.
This comes as the next step in reforms led by CIVEA members to help professionalise the enforcement industry, which has involved the raising of standards, supporting vulnerable people and establishing an independent complaints procedure to empower individuals.
Russell Hamblin-Boone, CIVEA Chief Executive commenting on the launch said “The enforcement sector has endured intense scrutiny in recent years, but the ECB can lift the bonnet on our industry. It is in a unique position to investigate the evidence and provide an education on the enforcement process, which will help to build a stronger reputation.”
“CIVEA members are committed to work with the ECB to drive up standards and protect those struggling with problem debt. The task now is for the ECB to get up to speed on modern enforcement practices and to set in train its supervisory model.”