Code of Practice

In order to fulfil our aim to promote higher industry standards the Association has drawn up the following Code of Practice:

1. Members agree to abide by the memorandum and Articles of the Association and Rules made pursuant to the Articles of Association.

2. Members shall conduct themselves in such a manner as not to bring themselves or the Association into disrepute and shall adhere in their practices and procedures to the highest standards of business ethics.

To this end the Association has endorsed the National Standards for Civil Enforcement Agents and has produced an extended and more comprehensive document the ACEA Code of Conduct and Good Practice Guide.

3. Not withstanding and without limitation to strictly complying with the specific contractual requirements of their clients, members will:

• a. Ensure that they are fully aware of and abide by all relevant current legislations.
• b. Maintain strict client confidentiality at all times.
• c. Maintain adequate professional indemnity cover.
• d. Maintain their client accounts in accordance with proper accounting procedures.
• e. Promptly account to clients for all monies due.

4. Members shall strictly abide by the Association's Complaints Procedure.

5. Members shall provide an annual audit certificate to the Association within the time limits prescribed from time to time under the Companies Act. The certificate shall be worded as follows:

‘We confirm that at (date) the cash held in client bank accounts
was at least equal to the total liabilities as recorded in the client ledger.'

In addition, members shall provide to the Association each quarter, a certificate sworn or affirmed by a director of the company or partner of the firm confirming the solvency of the company or firm. The certificate shall be worded as follows:

‘I certify that the balance held in client accounts at (date) is equal to
or greater than the sum total of all the money owing or due to all clients at that date.'

6. Members shall ensure that their employees are fully aware of and strictly comply with these rules and where necessary shall provide training to a sufficient level to achieve this.