November 04 2011
On Monday, ITV aired the latest in the series of the Exposure documentaries, with the focus turning to rogue bailiffs in the UK. The programme saw an undercover reporter, posing as a trainee bailiff, follow one individual as he was seen conducting collections in an unethical manner.
Exposure highlighted a particularly extreme case, and as all Certificated Bailiff companies will undoubtedly agree, there is no room in the industry for rogue bailiffs.
The Office of Fair Trading (OFT) recently released new guidance on debt collection – setting benchmark standards for any business engaging in debt recovery. It is these guidelines that ensure recovery agencies adopt appropriate procedures and practices.
As Certificated Bailiffs, dbs is not governed by these guidelines however, we adhere to them in order to ensure excellent operating standards across our business- and, as a result, ensure viable repayment plans creating the best outcomes for both creditor and debtor.
Additionally, dbs also operates under the statutory regulations as setout under the Law of Distress and Distress for Rent Rules. And, in order to maintain standards across the business, we also choose to incorporate the OFT guidelines as an internal working practice, both for our collections team and across our national enforcement offices.
All actions of our field agents conform to all relevant statutory requirements and legislation. Our field agents take a sensitive and helpful approach when attending a property with a view to seek out the optimum recovery repayment plan for the defendant, ensuring that the creditor receives payment in a timely fashion.
We understand that the industry guidelines are in place to protect the public and our teams of Certificated Bailiffs strongly adhere to these guidelines.
CEO of dbs Byron Crellin said following on from the airing of Exposure; “At dbs, it is our aim to construct viable repayment solutions in an ethical manner. We choose to be governed by the OFT’s guidelines in order to ensure peaceful resolutions in all circumstances. We appreciate that the industry has come under considerable scrutiny, but would like to reassure our clients that we adhere to the OFT guidelines and always operate with integrity.”