Sunday, 7 September 2008
There are various categories of work in which traders can apply for membership – builder, carpet fitter, drainage, driveways, electrician, gardener, glazing, handy person, joiner, mobile hairdresser, painter/decorator, plumber, roofer and security installer. Other trades will be considered on request.
Applicants must undergo the following vetting process:
Police check for you and employees
County Court Judgement check (checked through the Registry Trust)
Trading Standards check for any customer complaints (checked by South Yorkshire Trading Standards Service)
References
Proof that applicants have appropriate public liability insurance
Company stationery will be checked for compliance with legislation
Business must have been established for a minimum of 6 months
The following criteria will also be taken into account:
Relevant qualifications
Membership of trade associations
Experience in trade
Traders will be excluded from the scheme if:
the Police check reveals any relevant cautions or convictions
the applicant is found to have a relevant County Court Judgement recorded against them
South Yorkshire Trading Standards Service has a complaint history about the applicant which is incompatible with membership
The applicant has falsely claimed membership of a trade association or is dishonestly claiming to have qualifications
South Yorkshire Trading Standards Service will have the final decision on membership taking into account all of the above checks. Traders accepted into the scheme will receive a letter of acceptance, an identification badge and can use the membership logo in accordance with the use of logo guidelines.
Identification badges will remain the property of South Yorkshire Trading Standards Service.
Membership is conditional upon acceptance of, and adherence to, the terms and conditions of the scheme and the payment of a membership fee. Membership will be revoked for contravening the terms and conditions. The membership fee is not refundable in these circumstances.
Applicants refused entry into the scheme will still be charged. If membership is revoked after joining the scheme, the fee paid is non refundable. Reasons for refusal or revocation of membership will be given in writing. Any appeal against the decision must be made to the scheme’s Project Officer within 14 days of the decision to refuse or revoke membership. Any appeals will be heard by the South Yorkshire Trading Standards Service Fair Trading Group.
Membership will be renewed annually. Members will pay a renewal fee.
Members agree to undergo the full vetting procedure every three years. Members are obliged to inform South Yorkshire Trading Standards Service within seven days if they acquire any criminal convictions or county court judgements that may affect the suitability of membership.
This is an introductory service only. All contracts entered into as a result of the scheme are strictly between the trader and the customer – South Yorkshire Trading Standards Service have no contractual liability.
