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Tessera Viewpoint
As I wrote my last editorial on Election Day, little did I suspect that we would have a coalition government, and even less that my local MP, Ed Davey, would soon be a Minister at BIS. It looks like being a busy time as we approach our annual conference in Birmingham in September, but what further surprises will this unusually sweltering British summer have in store?
Lobbying Activities
We're hopeful that the DBSG can help to influence the thinking and policy of the new government, and CSA and DBSG representatives have already met with HM Treasury to lobby on the edited electoral roll. We are putting together a revised policy advice document with the Public Affairs Company, and I have also written to BIS Minister Ed Davey to ask whether it is feasible to insert clauses in the new Finance Bill to address the issue of sending CCA06 statements and notices to known gone aways, those in IVAs, and even deceased consumers.
PR/Marketing Activity
Feedback on the new DBSG advertising campaign has been very positive, and if you would like to post a comment or have your say, please contact Ashleigh Quinn: ashleigh.quinn@csa-uk.com. The next message in the series will be STRENGTH so please keep an eye on the trade press. We aim to move this advertising onto the website as well, to create an even stronger brand identity.
DBSG Governing Committee
On 23rd June the latest DBSG governing committee meeting took place, where topics discussed included:
- Revisions to the DBSG Code of Conduct and rule changes
- A new consumer factsheet about debt sale and purchase
- CRA footprints
- Cross-Whitehall data sharing group participation
- Activities of the Governance and Data Quality working parties
- Possible fee increases to fund additional and centralised DBSG activities
- Creation of a new Vice-Chair post at DBSG
Annual Meeting notices will be sent to all members in August, but if you have any questions in the meantime please contact Ashleigh Quinn: ashleigh.quinn@csa-uk.com
CRA data quality meetings
We are currently discussing with the credit reference agencies ways of ensuring that CRA data quality and products are maximised for DBSG members. A constructive meeting took place in June with all three CRAs to look at boosting the consistency of information on known gone aways, and it is possible this will lead to a new database of known mis-traces, against which members can search on a reciprocal basis. I hope to be able to report further progress on this at the conference.
Consultation with Buyers
Further consultation meetings with debt buyers have taken place this month, at which suggestions from previous meetings were discussed in the context of the priorities for CSA and DBSG over the coming year. The issues of audit and accreditation, legal and PA representation, external complaints handling and sources of funding are all on the agenda, as we examine the best structure to serve members going forward. Please do contact me on leigh.berkley@tessera.co.uk if you have any views you'd like to share.
Buyer audits
Following lots of discussion on this initiative, we have now started work on scoping the various audit requirements, and meetings have been held with prospective partners who are able to provide audits for DBSG members to ensure compliance with all relevant standards.
Annual Conference
As I write this we are now only a few weeks away from the annual conference in Birmingham. Delegate numbers are at an all time high and we have a great programme lined up for debt buyers and sellers alike. To make sure your name is on the list you can still book with Head Office or online via the website www.dbsg-uk.com.
And finally…
By the time you read this, our multi-talented editor Amanda Wright may already have left the Newcastle office to pursue career opportunities elsewhere. Amanda has made a really tremendous contribution to the newsletter, our PR activities and the organisation of our conferences over recent years, and on behalf of all DBSG members I have wished Amanda a fond farewell and the best of luck for the future.
Leigh Berkley
DBSG Chairman
