# Certification scheme for telemarketing industry to combat threat from nuisance calls

- Link: https://fundraising.co.uk/2013/10/31/certification-scheme-telemarketing-industry-combat-threat-nuisance-calls/
- Published: 2013-10-31T08:00:02+00:00
- Author: Howard Lake

The Telephone Preference Service (TPS) has introduced a certification scheme for
the UK telemarketing industry to try to combat the reputational threat of  'nuisance
calls' made by businesses that flout the law.

**TPS Assured** will enable companies to demonstrate to their clients, regulators
and the public that they comply with all the rules governing telemarketing, together
with industry best practice.

TPS Assured will help companies that make legitimate outbound sales and marketing
calls to UK consumers, including fundraising calls to donors, ensure they comply
with the relevant regulations. These include the Privacy and Electronic Communications
Regulations (PECR), Ofcom's guidelines and TPS Assured’s industry best practice 
guidelines.

## Advertisement

Companies that earn TPS Assured certification will be audited annually to check 
that they can continue to display the TPS Assured mark.

The [TPS Assured](http://www.tpsassured.co.uk) scheme has already been piloted by
Anglian Home Improvements and consumer group Which?, following its ;'Calling Time'
campaign.

## Complaints about nuisance calls

According to telecommunications regulator Ofcom, complaints about nuisance calls
hit a record monthly high this year, with over 10,000 complaints in February 2013.
This clearly represents considerable reputational damage to the legitimate telemarketing
industry.

John Mitchison, Head of the Telephone Preference Service, said: "Nuisance calls 
are not just a problem for consumers, they are also harmful to the legitimate telemarketing
industry which is unfortunately tarred with the same brush. This undermines telemarketing’s
effectiveness and the businesses that depend on it to drive sales.

"The TPS Assured scheme will help to restore confidence in telemarketing by helping
businesses, consumers and regulators to clearly identify those companies that operate
on the right side of the law."

_Photo: [Nuisance call](http://www.shutterstock.com/pic-157709609/stock-photo-indian-man-annoyed-and-bored-at-phone-on-hold-again.html)
by SoumenNath on Shutterstock.com_

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