Application process

We invite interested code sponsors to contact us to register their interest in submitting a code under the scheme. We will prioritise our resources to deal with applications that provide the greatest benefit to consumers.

To apply for the scheme, you need to register and then download an application form.  When you register, you will be assigned a case manager you can contact if you need help with your application.

Responsibility for drafting codes rests with code sponsors as they have the necessary expertise in their sectors. We will not usually assist code sponsors in drafting their codes, but in exceptional cases we may do so.

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Stage One

You will need to submit your code and confirm that it meets the OFT's core criteria in order to complete Stage One. You will also need to ensure that your code is written in plain English, and that any associated documentation is comprehensible and in an accessible format.

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Supporting information

As you compile your application, you will need to collect together supporting documentation to show us how you meet the core criteria. Please clearly mark each piece of supporting information before you send it to us so that we can see how it relates to your application, including reference numbers provided by the OFT.

You can submit these documents online after you have registered with us, or hard copies can be sent to:

Consumer Codes Approval Scheme
Room 3C/04
Office of Fair Trading
Fleetbank House
2-6 Salisbury Square
LONDON
EC4Y 8JX

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Stage Two

To achieve OFT approval, you must demonstrate to the OFT that your code is working well and delivering on its Stage One promises. Evidence of this may include:

• complaints data
• independent surveys on customer satisfaction
• the results of mystery shopping exercises.

We also require you to continue to consult with the relevant advisory bodies.

The burden of proof lies with the code sponsor, and the timeframe in which you collect evidence of the code in action will normally cover a period of at least nine months.

Your case manager will discuss Stage Two with you in more detail when you have completed Stage One.

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Approval

When the OFT is satisfied that a code of practice meets the core criteria and is working, we will grant approval and we will promote the code to consumers.

We require code sponsors to review compliance with their code and assess customer satisfaction on a regular basis. They will also be required to continue to consult with relevant advisory bodies.

Code sponsors will be required to update their code when necessary and to publish statistics on how the code is performing.

The OFT may withdraw approval if evidence suggests that the code no longer meets the core criteria or is otherwise no longer effective in protecting and promoting consumer interests. Download withdrawal policy and procedures (pdf 96kb)

Contact:
Phone: 020 7211 8987
Email: consumercodes@oft.gov.uk

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