Accreditations

All TrustMark TreeCareApproved registered contractors are commited and have signed up to our consumer charter;

• Supply a written detailed quotation prior to and before any work is carried out.
• Offer consumers a warranty when applicable.
• Ensure all works are carried out, providing a safe working environment to both consumers and employees.
• Ensure all works are started and completed on agreed dates, unless agreed and understood by the consumer.
• Respect and protect consumers privacy and security.
• Communicate effectively and considerately with the consumer.
• Ensure that all works agreed are both carried out and completed in accordance to the terms of the original quotation and the job specification.
• Agree any and all changes with the client BEFORE doing them.
• Leave all areas both clean and tidy upon completion of the contract in accordance with the consumers requirements.
• Inform consumer FIRST if there is any damage however insignificant.
• Ensure that all parties including sub-contractors have the relevant experience and standards of qualifications or training to undertake (as a team), the work specified within the contract.
• Not expect or request payment before the job is completed, that is unless staged payments before completion is specifically mentioned in the quotation that was agreed with you beforehand.
• Follow the agreed complaints resolution procedure.
• Comply with all laws, statutory regulations and industry best working practice applicable to the Arboricultural industry.
• Maintain full Employer Liability Insurance cover.
• Be actively involved in staff training and development.
• Be independently checked annually for conformance to these standards
• Maintain full Public Liability Insurance cover.

Are you about to hire a tradesperson to work in your home or garden?

Whether the job is big or small, there are certain steps we advise you to take. For your own protection, please take a few minutes to read this advice. Following these guidelines could save you time, money and a lot of stress.

Where to find a reputable registered contractor

Use our simple search facility to get a list of your nearest Tree Care Approved contractor or for other tradesmen you may require please visit www.trustmark.org.uk. Then explain to them exactly what you want done and if the job is a reasonable size ask for a detailed quotation in writing from them with start and finish times and agreed payment terms.

Sources of consumer advice
TrustMark offers a Helpline (01344 630 804) for those without website access, we do not provide a general consumer advice service but we are working closely with Consumer Direct,the Government’s telephone and on-line service.

They can provide clear, practical advice about your rights, choosing a tradesman/firm and what to do if things go wrong. You can call them on 03454 04 05 06 or visit their website at https://www.gov.uk/consumer-protection-rights

What to do in an emergency!
Sometimes you need a plumber, electrician or other tradesperson right away. But that doesn’t mean you need to hire the first firm you see in the telephone directory. Don’t panic – just make sure you’re using a TrustMark registered firm.
If you need to agree a deal with a firm over the phone, make sure you know what you are getting into:

• Find out the call-out charge, and how the firm’s services will be charged
• Find out how much products and materials will cost
• Ask about the firm’s technical expertise

Find out if they’re insured and confirm they offer an Insurance Backed Warranty.

Employing a Tradesman

Are you about to hire a tradesman to work in your home or garden?
Whether the job is big or small, there are certain steps we advise you to take. For your own protection, please take a few minutes to read this advice. Following these guidelines could save you time, money and a lot of stress.

When employing a TrustMark tradesman always check
They are ‘licensed’ for all the trades / work you are asking them to carry out. This can be done by looking on our website by searching under the ‘trade’ then ‘their company name’ and finally ‘more information’ – you will then see a list of the ‘only’ trades that the firm is licensed for under the protection and standards offered by TrustMark.

When employing a tradesman you are advised
To follow best practice and:-

• Be specific and set out a detailed, clear brief when requesting at least three quotes.
• Ask friends and family for a recommendation and check the TrustMark website at www.trustmark.org.uk to ensure that the tradesman is registered for the particular trades you require
• Use a firm that advertises using a landline phone number and be very wary of those only willing to give you a mobile number
• Seek references, speak to previous customers and if a reasonable sized job, visit previous jobs
• Don’t just go with the cheapest, consider your ability to communicate with the firm and the quality of their work
• Only pay for work that has been done and not by advance payments
• If materials need to be bought in advance by the tradesman, it is reasonable that the customer is asked to pay a fair percentage of these costs as the job progresses
• Always use a written contract as it offers you protection if anything does go wrong
• Agree in writing any changes to the agreed contract value and ensure these are agreed in writing before the work is done

How do I know a tradesman is trustworthy?
If a firm is TrustMark registered, it is working to a code of practice set down by an approved Scheme Operator and standards that give you greater confidence and protection. To find out more about the Government-backed standards for approved tradesmen/firms, see: Standards. View information on how to avoid rogue traders.

What standards of workmanship can I expect?
We don’t expect TrustMark tradesmen to walk on water – but we do expect them to do a good job. TrustMark registered firms are checked and monitored against recognised British, international or industry standards. We aim to ensure you receive a good standard of workmanship and that any complaint will be treated fairly if there is a problem. If you are unhappy with the service you have received from a TrustMark registered firm, follow the guidance in: If things go wrong

How do I know the firm is financially sound?
A tradesman’s/firm’s trading record and financial position is checked when they first join the scheme. But such checks can never guarantee a firm will not hit financial difficulties – that’s why we insist all registered firms offer you the opportunity to buy a Warranty giving you some increased protection if the firm should go out of business. To find out more about standards for approved Scheme Operators and their firms see: Standards

Who checks up on these tradesmen?
TrustMark’s approved Scheme Operators (which include trade associations, local authorities / Trading Standards, certification inspection schemes and commercial organisations) check the performance of their registered firms.

So who checks up on the approved Scheme Operators?We do. The TrustMark team monitors approved Scheme Operators on behalf of the TrustMark Board. The Board reviews each approved scheme operator’s performance, taking into account an independent assessment of the quality of their work, how they handle complaints, and so on. To find out more about the Government-endorsed standards for approved Scheme Operators see: Standards