JOINING ACEA

Application Procedures

For all applications, ACEA requires a completed application form for the appropriate type of membership, a cheque (made payable to ACEA) for the first month's subscription and a completed standing order for subsequent subscriptions - obtainable from the Director General of the association. The association will also require further information including up-to-date accounts for companies and businesses for Corporate membership applications or a copy of the current bailiff certificate and details of a private individual's experience in the enforcement industry for those applying for Private membership. In all cases, the application will be considered at the next association meeting held after receipt of all necessary documentation.

An Invitation to Membership

ACEA was originally formed to represent employers of certificated bailiffs and other enforcement staff. Membership has, until a few years ago, been on a corporate basis only. Until the end of 2008 there were two categories of corporate membership: Full and Associate. However, on 1 January 2009 the structure changed to a single category of Corporate member. Corporate members are entitled to send a representative to ACEA member meetings where policy issues are discussed. Corporate members run the association. All corporate members receive free bailiff bonds upon request. Corporate members can use the association logo on their own website and on their company literature. They can also have a link to their own website and, if they wish to do so, display their contact details on the Membership page of this website.

However, times are changing and so are we. The Government is considering the requirement that all enforcement agents belong to an accredited professional body in order to qualify for the new form of licence to replace the existing bailiff's certificate. In anticipation of this and other changes we introduced a new category of Private membership. This is open to any practising bailiff or enforcement agent, or an individual who wishes to become one and is undergoing training with one of our corporate members.

A Private Member is entitled to the following benefits:

Information on current developments, sent to a personal e-mail address
A free certificated bailiff's bond (as required under the current regulations)
An opportunity to voice opinions on developments and influence changes
Brief personal contact details displayed on this website (not business details)

A Private Member is a member of the association as an individual. If he/she is also the principal, director or employee of an enforcement business there is no legitimate legal use of the association's logo on behalf of that business nor should there be any implication that the business is a member of the association. However, the association welcomes small enforcement businesses to become corporate members of the association.

Although membership of a professional body is not, at present, compulsory we believe that when the new licensing requirements are introduced it will be to the individual's advantage to be able to demonstrate membership over a period of time.

What else does ACEA offer?

ACEA is concerned about fee levels and has been instrumental in achieving increases in enforcement fees across the spectrum of enforcement activity. We continue to work with the Ministry of Justice, and other Government departments and agencies, to ensure a fair deal for enforcement agents and agencies, regardless of their size.
Through membership interaction our leading member companies provide information about new techniques. This is for the benefit of the industry as a whole.
All members participate in the ACEA Independent Complaints procedure. This gives clients the assurance that they require.
We are currently looking at the possibility of discounted professional indemnity and other business insurances.

What does the future hold?

We are currently undergoing unprecedented changes in the enforcement business. It is, therefore, not only vital to keep abreast with developments but to influence to our advantage. The most important example is our liaison with the Government in relation to the Tribunals, Courts and Enforcement Act 2007 and the consequent regulations that will come into force. We continue to work with the Ministry of Justice and the Security Industry Authority on the development of new regulation and licensing proposals for the enforcement industry. We have produced an extensive document detailing the case for a simplified fee structure applicable across all debt types that can be readily understood by everyone. This has already received the support of other organisations such as the BPA and ESA and is currently being studied by the Ministry of Justice.

Subscription rates

Corporate membership (corporate) from £125 per month*
Private membership (Individual) £200 each calendar year** payable on 1st January

* Dependant upon the number of bailiff bonds issued this may increase. Please contact the Director General for full details.

**Entitled to one free bailiff bond whilst membership is current.