CES Stand Against Bully Tactics
In the world of debt recovery and enforcement, the reputation of the industry can often hinge on the behaviour of a minority.
Unfortunately, certain Enforcement Agents or Bailiffs may show unprofessional behaviour that tarnishes the entire industry.
This misrepresentation can lead to a widespread perception of the enforcement community as harsh or even aggressive.
It is vital to address these issues head-on and reaffirm our commitment, as an industry leading company, to professionalism and ethical behaviour in all aspects of enforcement.
At Court Enforcement Specialists (CES), we take great pride in the integrity and accountability of our agents.
Each CES agent undergoes rigorous training and certification, equipping them with the skills necessary to navigate the complexities of enforcement law and engage with all individuals in a respectful and empathetic manner.
Our comprehensive training programs ensure that every agent adheres to a strict code of conduct, which emphasises professionalism at every turn.
Empathy is at the core of our operations.
We understand that individuals facing enforcement actions may be dealing with highly stressful situations.
Our agents are trained to approach each case with understanding, seeking to diffuse tense situations rather than escalate them.
This approach not only reflects our values but also encourages a more constructive dialogue between the parties involved.
Recent developments across the country have highlighted the growing concerns within communities regarding the methods employed by some bailiffs in council tax collections.
A notable incident occurred recently when members of the community union Acorn delivered a petition to a local town hall in Brighton, opposing the use of bailiffs for council tax collections.
This petition was presented inside a boot, symbolising the harsh realities faced by many households struggling under financial burdens.
Acorn representatives voiced their position, saying that the council should shift its focus towards “fair repayment plans and an ethical debt collection policy.”
Their initiative reflects the sentiment that current practices may not only be ineffective but also detrimental to the communities they aim to serve.
To counter this, we would say that this is only the case when agents act in an unprofessional way, and that our experiences are much more positive.
Whilst we know that we do things the right way, we can’t speak for every company out there, and Acorn also argue that prioritising ethical approaches in debt recovery is essential, particularly during challenging economic times.
The union revealed a series of statistics which they say reveal the extent of the issue.
One in three individuals who have had interactions with bailiffs reported encountering serious problems, including unlawful entries into properties, misinformation regarding their powers and the confiscation of essential items needed for medical care or employment.
Even a single incident like this is abhorrent, and we condemn any kind of behaviour completely. We are proud of our agents and their approach, and know that these statistics don’t represent the way behave in the industry.
Such accounts depict a distressing picture of the experiences many claim to have faced.
A freedom of information request was also submitted by Acorn, uncovering “troubling data” pertaining to Brighton and Hove City Council's collection practices in 2022.
The findings revealed that while nearly 3,000 instances of bailiff involvement occurred, only 680 repayment plans were established for council tax debts.
According to Acorn, this ratio raises critical questions about the effectiveness and ethics of relying on bailiffs as the primary means of collecting outstanding debts.
Poppy Burt, chair of Acorn Brighton, said “Bailiffs are brutal and unnecessary. These bullies traumatise our communities and leave people afraid of every knock on the door.”
It is sentiments like this that mean the industry has work to do in order to undo the damage to its reputation, caused by a minority of unprofessional agents.
While society may occasionally associate enforcement with intimidation, CES agents are working hard to change that narrative.
Our method involves clear communication, transparency and a fair assessment of each unique situation.
We believe that our role is not solely to recuperate debts but to do so in a manner that respects the dignity of all individuals involved.
It is concerning that some agents may resort to bully tactics, creating an atmosphere of fear and intimidation.
Behaviour like this not only conflicts with our values at CES, but also undermines public trust in the enforcement industry as a whole.
We believe it is essential for reputable companies to stand together and support ethical practices, as this will ultimately benefit our clients, the individuals we work with and the industry as a whole.
At CES, we actively promote a culture of ethical enforcement practices.
We encourage open dialogue within the industry, advocating for higher standards and consistent training to minimise the risk of bullying tactics by any party.
Our aim is to set a clear example, demonstrating that enforcement can be conducted with integrity and respect.
CES remains steadfast in our commitment to maintaining a professional, empathetic and ethical approach to enforcement.
We are dedicated to changing the narrative around our industry, ensuring that all individuals are treated with the respect they deserve.
By taking a strong stance against unprofessional behaviour and promoting ethical practices, we can collectively enhance the reputation of the enforcement industry.
It is our aim to ensure that communities feel safe and supported rather than intimidated.
