The Motor Ombudsman, the government-approved consumer watchdog for the automotive industry, has launched a new service for its subscriber network, providing online training to ensure businesses are compliant with the newly implemented Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) legislation.
The Motor Ombudsman, the government-approved consumer watchdog for the automotive industry, has launched a new service for its subscriber network, providing online training to ensure businesses are compliant with the newly implemented Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) legislation.
Ford has today become the first organisation to start using the online portal and its staff will be among the first employees in the UK to be compliant with the legislation, which requires businesses to direct dissatisfied customers to an approved mediator. UK businesses must comply with this legislation by 1 October 2015.
Jon Wellsman, Director, Ford Customer Service Division, said, “We’re on the fast track to being the first UK manufacturer to comply with this very important consumer legislation. The Motor Ombudsman training package will ensure that all our head office staff and dealership network are fully compliant with ADR.’’
He added, “We see the legislation as a real positive in regards to managing relationships with customers and the training package delivered by The Motor Ombudsman is a very welcome addition to their existing service.”
Mark Terry Managing Director, The Motor Ombudsman, said, “Our training services are delivered in partnership with the Charted Trading Standards Institute (CTSI), and the ADR online training course will help ensure the motor industry is fit and ready to deliver ADR to their customers.
“Ford’s adoption of our training package is an example of how seriously the industry takes ADR legislation. Organisations from all areas of the industry are now embracing the legislation and the training that is now on offer.’’
More than 99% of car manufacturers are already signed up to the The Motor Ombudsman service, which serves consumers through a network of 7,500 garages across the UK. Motor Codes is urging all franchise dealerships and businesses across the UK to make sure that they are compliant with the legislation in advance of 1 October.
The legislation tops a busy year in consumer legislation. 2015 has seen the UK’s Consumer Rights Bill consolidate eight existing pieces of legislation, including the Sale of Goods Act 1979 and the Unfair Terms in Consumer Contracts Regulations 1999. The law was given assent in March 2015 but will be implemented on 1 October 2015.
