ACDM Code of good practice
Purpose:
The ACDM is a trade association formed between commercially competitive Manufacturers of Composite Doorsets, System Suppliers, Component Suppliers and Installers, who have a common interest in ensuring that the product concept is maintained at the highest level and is not denigrated by poor performance alternatives, or by manufacturing and installation companies who do not maintain the highest standards of operational professionalism and thereby risk bringing the industry into disrepute.
Voluntary Code:
It is an unconditional requirement that all members sign up to all elements of this voluntary Code of Practice and agree to uphold them at all times.
This is intended to establish agreed standards within the industry. These will be upheld by ACDM members, and thus should thereby give confidence and peace of mind to buyers and specifiers, many of whom may be understandably mystified by the subtle differences between so many doorset construction methods and materials.
In addition to the existence of these standards it is equally important that they are enforced, and seen to be enforced, in order to gain further reassurances with clients and customers.
This, therefore, will demonstrate that there are worthwhile advantages to be had by specifiers and purchasers of doorsets by purchasing Composite Doorsets from an ACDM member.
Product Differences:
Manufacturers have developed their products independently from each other and hence there is a wide variety of specifications and construction methods available. However, the important and, arguably, sole criteria is the accredited performance and longevity of each, irrespective of their construction. Therefore, the ACDM makes no attempt to compare different specification but instead focuses on the proven performance criteria, independently assessed by UKAS accredited test houses. In fact, only by having achieved this rigorous accreditation can door companies become members of the ACDM.
Rights of the Specifier/Client/Customer:
Any customer purchasing from any ACDM member door supplier can make an application to the Association for a “Specific Review” of their complaint, if they feel that a particular member company is not upholding the ACDM standards in some way. It is in the interests of all ACDM members that they adjudicate such matters fairly and without favour, since otherwise the Association would itself fall into disrepute.
The Code of Practice for ACDM members
This code requires all member companies to be consistent to principles of the ACDM Code of Practice in all their dealings with all clients, specifiers, customers, suppliers and all other associated industry organisations.
Principles of the ACDM Code of Practice:
Honesty – to ensure that the highest standards of honesty are maintained at all times in all commercial dealings.
Accreditation – to ensure that no false or misleading claims are made regarding the achievement of industry standard performance criteria.
Legality – to conform to UK and other legal requirements.
Professionalism – to deal with every commercial encounter in a polite, responsible and expeditious manner.
Equality and Diversity – to respect the human rights of all, at anytime, in any commercial endeavour.
Integrity – to ensure that there is no corruption or collusion with employees of any company/ organisation involved with any business contract.
Fair Dealing – to treat customers and suppliers fairly, including protecting commercial confidentiality where required.
Specific Review – members agree to be bound by the ACDM procedure for Specific Review.
Specific Review
In the event of any customer of any ACDM member company, who feels that the company has not upheld the Code and wishes to make a complaint, then they should do so, in writing, directly to the company involved, in the first instance – and follow that company’s complaints procedure.
Should this not be dealt with satisfactorily by the company, causing the customer to wish to appeal against the decision they have received, then they should apply formally, in writing to the Company Secretary of the ACDM, requesting a Specific Review of the matter. (Complaints to be limited to the Code of Practice)
The following confidential procedure will take place:
- The member company concerned would be informed of the complaint by the ACDM Company Secretary and must agree not to directly confront the complainant but to deal with the matter strictly through the Association.
- The complainant will be advised that the matter is to be investigated and be asked to provide full details of the complaint to the Company Secretary with as much supporting documentation as possible. This evidence will be reviewed by the ACDM CEO and Company Secretary and if the claims are determined to be justified, full details of the complaint will be forwarded to the ACDM member. If the complaint is not deemed to be justified, the complainant will be informed that there is no case to be answered and the complaint will not be investigated any further.
- In the event of a justified complaint, the details supplied by the complainant will be forwarded to the member company’s ACDM representative (who must also be a Director) for their official reply to the claims made by their client.
- Unless the member company admits liability and agrees a solution with the complainant, the details of the complaint will be circulated to a pre-determined Specific Review Team (SRT), made up of a least four full members, chaired by a nominated person from those present at the meeting. The SRT would meet at a specially convened meeting, to assess the case from both perspectives and propose a resolution which must be supported by a minimum 75% of the SRT.
- All member companies accept that given that scenario, they agree to abide by the resolution proposed by the SRT, or their membership could be terminated.