New CIVEA President sets enforcement sector plans

The new president of the principal trade association for civil enforcement agencies in England and Wales has pledged to drive reform, strengthen standards and improve public understanding of the profession.

Amy Collins, Managing Director of Leicestershire-based enforcement agency Rundles, has taken on the role of Chair of the Civil Enforcement Association (CIVEA) at a pivotal moment for the sector, outlining three key priorities that will shape her presidency. Amy will be supported by new Vice President Michael Line, Managing Director of JTR Collections in Northamptonshire.

Each year, civil enforcement agents enforce around £1 billion of unpaid debt in England and Wales. This money goes towards funding vital public services, including schools, libraries, adult and children’s care and road repairs, yet new research has shown a worrying rise in attacks on and abuse of enforcement agents which was also reflected in a report by the Enforcement Conduct Board.

Collins said “My first priority is to make regular Ministry of Justice fee reviews a standing priority,” Amy said. “As president, I will ensure this issue remains firmly and consistently on the table through sustained evidence-led engagement with the Ministry of Justice. A routine review mechanism is central for long-term stability and professionalism, and it really will be a central focus of my presidency.

“A predictable approach to fee reviews provides fairness and stability and gives members the confidence to continue investing in welfare, training, safety and operational resilience. This really cannot be a once in a decade negotiation.

“Secondly, I want to support members as we prepare for statutory regulation. Statutory regulation is coming. My priority is to ensure every member is supported through that transition with clear guidance, strong representation and the tools needed to meet any new expectations with confidence.

“Regulations should raise standards, strengthen trust and elevate our profession, but not place unnecessary burden on it. Under my leadership, CIVEA will continue to shape what comes next, rather than simply respond to it.

“And thirdly, I want to improve public perception of our industry and strengthen our workforce. Trust, both public trust and internal confidence, underpins our legitimacy. We must communicate more openly and more clearly about what enforcement is, the safeguards in place and the professionalism of the people that do the work. Just as importantly, we should listen closely to those that deliver these services every single day.

“As President, I will take every opportunity and use every available platform to increase public confidence, awareness and understanding of our industry, and to ensure the reality of modern professional enforcement is better known. Strengthening these conversations externally and internally will be a central pillar of my presidency.

“CIVEA’s core purpose is to represent a professional, ethical and accountable enforcement sector. Our work on standards, training, safeguarding and transparency continues to set the tone for the industry. We have made meaningful progress in our engagement with local authorities, government and the courts, but there is still much more to do.

“A fair and sustainable fee structure is not about organisational gain; it’s about ensuring the whole system can be properly resourced from frontline agents, supporting staff, compliance and training and technology. All are needed to deliver safe, consistent outcomes for clients and the public, and this remains one of CIVEA’s most important priorities.

“At the same time, statutory regulation – once a distant conversation – is now on the horizon, and we have an opportunity to help shape a regulatory framework that is consistent, clear and capable of enhancing public confidence.”