The Double Glazing & Conservatory Ombudsman Scheme aims to offer protection for double glazing and conservatory consumers and double glazing and conservatory installers in a £4.65bn double glazing and conservatory industry. The double glazing and conservatory industry was responsible for 22,000 complaints to trading standards last year.

The DGCOS has already signed up 126 double glazing installers. It is claimed that the new scheme is different from existing consumer protection schemes because installers who sign up for it are legally bound by its decisions.

The DGCOS Compensation Fund will pay out all bona fide claims to compensate homeowners using DGCOS Accredited Installers where traders fail to live up to their promises and the ombudsman has found in their favour. Traders will also have some protection against customers who withhold payment or make unfounded complaints. The double glazing installers also have to pay into a bond scheme to cover compensation if they cease trading.

Nick Ross said: “Consumer agencies champion ombudsman schemes because they give customers real protection. DGCOS is based on similar schemes which have been successful in other industries and are strongly recommended by consumer groups.

“Rogue traders have done serious harm to the reputation of the industry, so restoring confidence is important not just for consumers but for all good contractors. DGCOS can help rebuild trust and mark out the good guys from the cowboys.”

Installers who become members of the DGCOS will be able to offer their customers a range of policies, including deposit protection, work in progress insurance and an insurance-backed guarantee. Homeowners, meanwhile, will be offered access to professional mediators, independent inspectors and a dispute resolution and arbitration service conducted by the Ombudsman. The DGCOS scheme will offer installers protection against unfair complaints from customers and companies who withhold payment for completed work.

The DGCOS scheme, which has been trialled for over two years, will be promoted by national TV and radio advertising campaigns fronted by Nick Ross, the former presenter of the BBC’s Crimewatch and Watchdog programmes.

In brief, DGCOS is offering consumers safeguards and protection including:
1 – Accredited Installers
2 – Deposit Protection
3 – 10 Year Guarantee
4 – Insurance Backed Guarantee
5 – Free Advice Line
6 – Ombudsman Protection

To protect homeowners further DGCOS provide access to professional mediators, independent inspectors and a Compensation Fund to honour awards made by the Double Glazing and Conservatory Ombudsman Scheme.

Glasstalk is the new Double Glazing & Conservatory Forum website creating debate on all issue within the industry. To find out what people are discussing – visit www.glasstalk.co.uk today!