The Property Codes Compliance Board (PCCB) has announced it has appointed a third inspector responsible for ensuring compliance with the Search Code.
Dave Penney joins the team following a stint at search firm SearchFlow, where he was responsible for its compliance requirements, before playing a fundamental part in the drafting of the initial Search Code.
Mr Penney joins Denis Purshouse and Chief Inspector David Woodward who are responsible for ensuring that all companies subscribing to the Code meet with its strict set of criteria.
Speaking of his appointment, Mr Penney said: “I am delighted to be involved with the PCCB and to be working alongside such well-known and respected colleagues as David and Denis.
“Together our combined knowledge of the industry will most certainly help in ensuring that standards are enforced and maintained so that all search reports displaying the Search Code logo are viewed as a trusted and consistently high quality product.”
Chief Inspector David Woodward added: “Dave Penney has a wealth of first-hand knowledge and experience of the property searches industry, including managing the Search Code compliance arrangements for a major search firm.
“Dave’s addition to the team of compliance inspectors will strengthen further the Property Codes Compliance Board’s delivery of a robust compliance regime, which ensures that search reports carrying the Search Code logo are quality products produced to the highest industry standards.
“I am very pleased to welcome Dave to the PCCB inspection team. He will be a very valuable addition.”
In 2012, a series of additional checks and measures were added to the Search Code, including more rigorous checks for new entrants, more detailed checking of all types of searches compiled by subscribers and more extensive annual checks upon renewal.
The PCCB is now looking to follow up pre-registration checks with full inspections of firms within 12 months of registration, to ensure that they are maintaining the high standards required by the Code.
Mystery shopping will become part of the inspection process, enabling the inspectors to monitor more closely the ordering, compilation and delivery processes of firms due to receive an inspection visit.
Andrew McIlwraith, Chairman of the PCCB, concluded: “The Search Code is recognised across the industry as a symbol of quality for regulated property searches.
“As such, it is vital that we make sure our team of inspectors have the resources and the support required to ensure the standards required by the Code are followed and adhered to by all subscribers.
“The series of enhancements made to the Search Code earlier this year have increased the number of checks and visits our inspectors are required to conduct upon each member firm.”
For more information visit: www.copso.org.uk/searchcode
