CODE OF PRACTICE

This Code of Practice is a document drawn up and agreed by the members of the Association as a working instrument incorporating the best practices and procedures to be adhered to by members of the Association, their employees and sub-contractors.

All existing members and those joining the Association must agree to abide by the current rules and practices laid down and must be bound by their signature.

The Code of Practice may be altered, amended, added to or deleted from only by a two-thirds voting majority taken at a National Committee Meeting, an EGM or an AGM.

A. GENERAL

Members will at all times strive to attain and maintain the highest possible operational and safety standards in all aspects of their business.

Members will not bring the Association into disrepute.

All members should carry adequate Goods in Transit Insurance cover to a minimum value of £5,000 per consignment for the protection of clients interests, copies of which must be made available to the Administrator on request. Self-insurance is not acceptable unless evidence that a formal procedure exists for indemnifying other members against financial loss arising out of a goods in transit claim.

Members are expected to operate an equal opportunities employment policy and should be fair and reasonable in their dealings with riders/drivers engaged or employed by them.

Members must assist other members in any way possible.

All advertising by members should comply with the standards of the Advertising Standards Authority, Independent Broadcasting Authority and the Trades Descriptions Act and should not be misleading or use unfair comparisons.

Members should take every opportunity to introduce the benefits of the NCA to their clients both via advertising and general communication and to promote the use of NCA members in other parts of the country. The Association encourages each member to promote the Association logo by display on vehicles and in advertisements.

No member should knowingly seek to canvass the account client of another member.

B. OPERATING STANDARDS

All vehicles must be of a suitable type; roadworthy and well maintained with particular attention paid towards condition and cleanliness.

Riders and drivers engaged or employed by Members must be:

a) Competent, experienced or taking part in a recognised training scheme. The use of learner riders/drivers is discouraged.

b) Adequately insured in accordance with the Road Traffic Acts and all other current legislation to carry out courier work.

c) Of good character, behaviour and attitude.

And:

Of clean and tidy appearance.

Equipped with a satisfactory form of communication for the work being undertaken.

In possession of an appropriate Company Identification Card, showing photograph, driver/rider name and number, company name and expiry date, which should be carried at all times.

Members and their employees/sub-contractors must be courteous and businesslike at all times. All employees, premises and property of the client, should be treated with respect and any requisite operating security or safety procedures complied with whilst on their premises.

C. INTER TRADING WITH OTHER NCA MEMBERS

In order to achieve the first aim of the Constitution & Rules, members should regard other members as priority clients.

Members should, wherever possible, inter-trade with other member companies, who in turn should not further sub-contract to another company without the consent of the originating company.

When requesting service from another member the use of the NCA Purchase Order Form is necessary to confirm the contract.

Prices charged should be reasonable, competitive and established in advance or on demand and members must be informed of any extra charges such as service, waiting time or account charges.

Inter-member payments should be paid within thirty days from the end of the month of the invoice date unless the charge is under written dispute.

Members are encouraged to use the ‘No Service’ report form to assist the NCA administration to identify areas that require additional members.

D. DISPUTES

Members have an obligation to ensure immediate and just settlement of complaints from other NCA members.

If any member feels that another member is not adhering to the Constitution & Rules of the Association or the Code of Practice, or any part thereof, or that they are not receiving a reasonable level of service or co-operation from another member; they should complete an NCA Action Report Form and send it to the Administrator. In the case of any complaint or dispute involving a Provisional member, an Action Report Form must always be submitted.

On receipt of a completed NCA Action Report Form from a member, the Administrator and/or Chairman will decide whether the complaint requires immediate action or should be filed for possible future action. If immediate action is required the Administrator will contact both parties and mediate and if this is unsuccessful the Chairman, or in his absence the Vice-Chairman, shall be advised and a course of action will be agreed and pursued. Should this prove to be unsuccessful the matter may be referred to the next National Committee meeting or, if the matter is of a very serious nature an EGM maybe called. Reports relating to a Provisional member will always be acted upon as any complaint may affect their acceptance to Full membership. The Chairman will review all completed Action Report Forms quarterly and if it is found that there are three or more detrimental reports against any member within a one-year period then the Chairman will refer the member to the National Committee who will review their suitability for continued membership.

Call this number if you require any further information.