GGF withdraws from CTSI scheme

The GGF has withdrawn from the Chartered Trading Standards Institute (CTSI) Consumer Codes Approval Scheme due to its onerous auditing process.

John Agnew, GGF Managing Director commented, “The GGF has given the scheme every chance to prove its value to the Federation and our Members. In the last five years the GGF has invested in its implementation and promotion but it has become increasingly difficult to operate due to the extensive auditing process.”

The GGF joined the Scheme in February 2016 which resulted in the Consumer Code being approved by the CTSI, and allowed the GGF and consumer facing Members to use the CTSI logo when dealing with consumers.

John Agnew added, “From March of this year, I have attended all membership meetings and engaged with members on this matter to advise that the GGF were leaving the scheme and our rationale for doing so. This decision has been approved by the GGF Board and was taken as part of a review of member benefits to ensure that the GGF provides more value for money to all members.”

Though the GGF Consumer Code will no longer be endorsed by CTIS, the Consumer Code itself (which is wholly owned by the GGF), is still in place and all consumer facing members must adhere to it as per the GGF Rules of Membership. A new revised version of the Consumer Code without the CTSI references will be available soon for download from the GGF website. In the meantime, Members who have been using the CTSI logo, are asked to remove the logo and any references from their website and marketing collateral where applicable.

If you have any further questions regarding the GGF Consumer Code please email: membership@ggf.org.uk.