« Previous | Contents | Next »
Listen
Volume 6
What a trusted trader framework could look like
1.40. The following tries to capture what a trusted trader framework accessible to everyone in Scotland could look like. It is for illustrative purposes only. It is a summary of the points raised in the paper.
1.41. The framework in Scotland would be delivered at a national level with universal coverage, and would work in conjunction with local level schemes in those local authorities that wished to do so. Joining the scheme would be voluntary.
1.42. The framework would be accessible through a national website. For those members of the public without internet access, they would be able to access it by telephone and post. Local level trusted trader schemes which have a website would act as a portal to facilitate access to the national framework should the person wish to access this. Likewise the national scheme should include links to any local sites in operation. The website and all other forms of accessing the system need to be user friendly and encourage the public to use the framework.
1.43. Features of the service should include feedback about workmanship of the trader and the level of customer satisfaction for each job. A website similar to Referenceline used by Dundee City Council could deliver this part of the service. In terms of accreditation criteria, two levels would operate within the one framework. The first level would represent a basic standard of trust, and would be for those members of the construction industry who are unable to meet the higher level, or for whom it is not a requirement of their operation. The public would have the choice to access a trader from level one or level two, depending on the degree of reassurance and redress they desired.
1.44. Monitoring and evaluation of the work carried out would be primarily through feedback received from customer feedback forms. This feedback would be posted on the website and would help to give homeowners a good indication of the service and quality of workmanship they should expect to receive from each trader. On a longer term basis, those members of the framework who are members of construction bodies will have audits or inspections of their business carried out, as is common practice at present. For those members of the framework who are not a member of a construction body, the framework itself will need to develop a mechanism to monitor these members.
Q. What are your ideas on the potential role of CLE within a trusted trader framework in Scotland?
Q. What are your ideas on the potential role of local authority schemes within a trusted trader framework in Scotland?
Q. What are your views on CLE and local authorities operating under the one framework in Scotland?
Q. What are your views on more than one level of accreditation existing within the one framework?
Q. What are your views on how the framework should be monitored and evaluated?
Q. What are your views on how the framework should be delivered e.g. by local or central government, the construction industry, the private or voluntary sectors or some combination?
Q. What functions would you wish to see a framework perform to encourage use by homeowners?
Please provide any further comments, stating your views on how a trusted trader framework should be established and operate in Scotland.
« Previous | Contents | Next »