Compliantly Confident

The work of Mackenzie Hall's Compliance Manager Rob Sands has been recognised by the Credit Services Association.

 

Claire Aynsley, Head of Membership, Compliance and Education at the industry body, presented Rob with a special personal award honouring his outstanding contribution to compliance, and in particular his leading role in developing and disseminating best practice industry-wide.

 

Speaking after he received the accolade at the CSA's AGM and Gala Dinner in September, a surprised but delighted Rob Sands commented: "Public and government perception is one of the greatest threats to the debt collection industry and it is only through compliance that we can collectively address this constructively.

 

"I am therefore delighted to receive this award, not just for myself and for Mackenzie Hall, but also as a reflection of the growing value placed on compliance."

 

For the past three years, Sands has been Compliance Manager with Mackenzie Hall Group, one of the UK's fastest growing debt collection agencies now handling more than 1.4 million cases per annum.

 

Chief Executive Paul Mackenzie added: "It is encouraging to see Rob's work recognised by the CSA. Compliance has always been a cornerstone of Mackenzie Hall's success, but today it is absolutely at the heart of everything we do.

 

"We recognise and appreciate its true value not just for its crucial role in licensing, but in terms of its huge potential impact on reputation, both ours and our clients, and on our ability to treat customers fairly.

 

"It is therefore essential in every respect to the continued growth and success of Mackenzie Hall."

 

This growth and success has been relatively swift. Established only seven years ago, the company now counts numerous blue chip clients amongst its varied portfolio, all of whom value Mackenzie Hall's absolute commitment to compliance.

 

"I am extremely proud of what we have achieved at Mackenzie Hall regarding compliance," adds Rob.

 

The vexing issue of data quality – and the OFT's expected response in its forthcoming review - plus the shape regulation might take following the so-called 'bonfire of the quangos' will be hot topics for Rob and his peers over the coming months.

 

They are also likely to be on the agenda of the first meeting of the Scottish Compliance Forum, a new independent initiative established by Sands to offer a more geographically accessible means for debt professionals north of the border to discuss and promote best practice.

 

Paul Mackenzie added: "Recognising and rewarding outstanding work is part of our culture at Mackenzie Hall, and Rob richly deserves his award from the CSA.

 

"Best practice is critical to the debt collection industry and that is one of the reasons why Mackenzie Hall is proud to be Overall Sponsor of Credit Today's Debt Collection Awards 2010."