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When a company displayed the BHTA badge in the past it simply meant they were a member of Britain's longest established healthcare trades association.
Now, that badge has been joined by the Office of Fair Trading Approved Code logo. That's because the BHTA Code of Practice has been granted full OFT approval under the Consumer Codes Approval Scheme (CCAS). Only BHTA member companies can display the two together. BHTA is the first trade body within the health industry to have an OFT approved code. The OFT only approves codes that have proved effective in safeguarding and promoting the interests of consumers beyond the basic requirements of the law. |
All BHTA members have agreed:
- to protect pre-payments or deposits paid by consumers in the event that a BHTA member is unable to meet a promise to deliver goods or services,
- not to use high-pressure selling techniques, and encourage a carer or advisor to be present during home visits,
- where cancellation rights apply or are offered, to issue a ‘cancellation card' with all contracts, making it easier for customers to cancel within the cooling off period, and
- to ensure that consumers have access to a free independent redress scheme if things go wrong.
- The BHTA has also ensured that independent disciplinary procedures are in place to deal with non-compliant members, including warnings and ultimately termination of membership.
- Consumers wanting to use a BHTA member can now look for the OFT Approved Code logo on company advertising and literature.
John Fingleton, OFT Chief Executive, said: “BHTA members provide important equipment and services to people with special physical needs. The BHTA code should provide extra protection which is especially important for vulnerable consumers. BHTA is the first trade association within the health sector to gain OFT code approval, and I congratulate them on their work to improve standards for consumers.”
Ray Hodgkinson, Director General of BHTA, said: “Gaining the OFT Code approval is a testament to the professional standards of our membership. We are aware that the onus is upon every single one of us to maintain high standards and ensure that the special responsibility we have is carried out."
| BHTA Code of Practice |
BHTA FREE Publication |
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The latest version of the BHTA Code, which is now in force, is the one published in September 2009. Every company in membership of BHTA has undertaken to abide by the Code.
 Download
Contained within the Code of Practice for businesses is a personal Code of Conduct, which sets the minimum standards we expect from a member company's staff.
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The BHTA also publishes a leaflet:
It is free of charge and can be obtained by calling BHTA on 020 7702 2141 or by contacting us |
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A number of Brethren organisations that are not members have, by special arrangement on religious grounds, registered their compliance with the BHTA Code of Practice and are thus covered by the Code policing arrangements - these are:
- Ambucare Mobility & Nursing Equipment
- Berwick Care Equipment
- Caring Supplies
- Comfy Care
- Felgains Care & Mobility
- MultiCare
- Nightingale Medical & Mobility
- One Rehab
- Yorkshire Care Equipment
NOTES regarding the Code:
1. The OFT's Consumer Codes Approval Scheme consists of two stages. During Stage One the code must meet the OFT's published core criteria, which contain measures designed to remove or ease consumer concerns about undesirable trading practices. In Stage Two the code sponsor must prove that its code lives up to the promises made in Stage One by demonstrating that the code is being effectively implemented by its members and that consumer disputes are properly.
2. BHTA originally submitted its code for assessment under the OFT's code approval scheme in May 2003, and completed Stage One in June 2006.
3. BHTA currently has over 400 members.
4. The Enterprise Act 2002 gives the OFT powers to approve and promote consumer codes of practice that meet the OFT's core criteria. The OFT's Consumer Codes Approval Scheme aims to promote and safeguard consumers' interests by helping consumers identify better businesses and to encourage businesses to raise their standards of customer service.
You can check
here which companies are signed up to the BHTA Code of Practice.
