The Invasive Non Native Specialists Association (INNSA) launched its new Code of Practice to protect consumers and businesses at its annual Conference in Manchester yesterday. The Code provides peace of mind for anyone using the services of INNSA members to remove invasive species such as Japanese Knotweed from their land. The Code sets out the minimum service standards and consumer protection which subscribers must deliver and is backed up by demanding technical standards in dealing with problem species.
The Code will be regulated by the Property Codes Compliance Board and supported by field inspections by BASIS the expert Amenity body that operates the Register for qualified remediators as well as the Amenity Assured scheme. The PCCB is a fully independent regulator that is recognised by the major mortgage lenders for its very effective regulation of the Search Code.
INNSA Chairman Mike Clough said “Our new Code of practice for consumers, businesses and property professionals provides a much needed mark of quality that can be relied for the treatment of invasive species, particularly the nuisance of Japanese Knotweed. As demand for treating invasive species has grown significantly in recent times there have been too many instances of ‘cowboy’ operators ripping off consumers and businesses. With the obligations placed on property owners by recent Government legislation it is vital that they can identify those firms that will do a fully professional job and be accountable in the unlikely event that things go wrong.”
Kate Davies, Chairman of the PCCB commented “We are delighted to take on the regulation for this new Code which will provide peace of mind to consumers and businesses using the services of subscriber firms. Our inspection team is being expanded to ensure that we are properly resourced to fulfil our responsibilities as regulators and we look forward to working closely with the experts at BASIS to make sure the INNSA technical standards are adhered to.”
Kate Faulkner the consumer champion from Propertychecklists.co.uk said “This is an example of a relatively new industry taking responsibility for setting high standards to protect consumers. INNSA and its members are to be applauded for launching the Code and in particular helping to provide peace of mind for consumers in the highly stressful process of buying and selling property.”
While the Code was being created, INNSA did not admit new members in order that firms joining would know the standards required of members going forward. With the Code now in place INNSA welcomes new member applications which will automatically include application to the PCCB to subscribe to the Code.
