BIS voluntary code of conduct

BIS aims

To support the development of the British bridal industry
To provide a channel of communication between suppliers and retailers
To act as the interface between the sector and the government

BIS Members

BIS believes that business relationships are founded on trust and mutual advantage where both sides benefit. As members of BIS we will continually strive to understand organically the needs of its retailers and stockists and will conducting ourselves honestly, responsibly and fairly, in full compliance with the laws of the countries in which we work.

The Code of Conduct sets out the principles by which Members agree to behave. Members will not knowingly misrepresent facts or mislead any customer or supplier concerning any aspects of the goods and services they provide.

BIS Members are committed to providing clear, responsive and user-friendly procedures in dealing with complaints should they arise. If this fails to deal with a given problem then a retailer can approach BIS for assistance, although this is a voluntary code of conduct and so the association will not enter into arbitration or other legal proceedings.

Each member shall ensure fairness and transparency of contracts.

Each member shall act responsibly and with integrity in the day-to-day conduct of its business.

Members will conduct business lawfully, comply with all relevant UK legislation, regulation and judicial decisions and trade fairly and responsibly.

Conduct its business under a name, title or style which will not confuse or mislead clients, creditors, debtors or members of the public, or which will not imply any association with other organisations or persons, which do not exist.

Provide adequate training for members of its staff, bringing to their attention the principles of this Code and requiring them to carry out their duties in accordance with it. Also, ensure continuous and appropriate training of staff in respect of current legislation and best practice.

Use plain English in all communications.

Show on all letters, postcards and forms the full business address, telephone number and email address, where used.

Members will observe the highest principles of ethics, equity, integrity, professional conduct and fair practice in dealing with others and will conduct their business in a manner designed to enhance the operation, image and reputation of the company and association.

Members and their staff will act towards other members and non-members, clients and others at all times in good faith.

Rules of the committee

Committee members are elected onto the committee at the AGM by a majority vote.

All documents relating to committee meetings, such as agendas and minutes, will not be disclosed to anyone outside of the committee unless approved by committee, or a director of BIS.

All matters relating to the operation of the association, which is led by the committee, should be discussed with the association manager or a director if it cannot wait until the next committee meeting.

The association manager will carry out his/her duties in accordance to the wishes of the committee and the continuation of previous projects unless told otherwise. The manager is further guided by a separate contract.

Any breach of the above rules will result in the committee discussing whether the person responsible for the breach should be removed as a committee member.

Debt

BIS operates a bad debtors area in a secure area of its website. Members can post the debts of shops after they have not been paid for 120 days. The name of the shop, the amount of debt past 120 days and the name of the reporting member will be available to all BIS Members who have given BIS legal indemnity against legal action. Only members who have given BIS this indemnity can use this area of the website.

In attempting to carry out collection in default of payment, members of the BIS should:

• Be circumspect and discreet when attempting to contact the debtor by telephone, SMS, email or by personal visit, with due regard to the Data Protection Act and OFT Guidance.
  
  
• Ensure that all attempted contacts with debtors are made at reasonable times and at reasonable intervals.
  
  
• Unless instructed otherwise, accept all reasonable offers by debtors to pay by instalments, provided acceptable evidence of non-ability to pay is given.
  
  
• Offer maximum co-operation with the debtor’s nominated or chosen Third Party. Where the Third Party is an accredited advisory service, and at first appointment and upon request, give a period of up to 30 days ‘grace’ before re-commencing collection activity.
  
  
• Encourage debtors in financial difficulties to inform members of their difficulties and then respond sympathetically and positively on the evidence provided.