Trade Bodies
COPSO, IPSA, PCCB…Who are they?
Frequently I get asked by new or existing clients if we are a member of one of the above. They have been asked to check our credentials by their partners. The confusion is totally understandable, and I will hope to alleviate the confusion as follows:
COPSO
Is the Council of Personal Search Organisations.
They are the simply the trade body for the large national search firms and affiliates. Membership of COPSO is not the same as being Search Code compliant, you can be compliant without being a COPSO member.
IPSA
The Association of Independent Personal Search Agents.
Covered in more detail in the HW Library under HW national search firm article. They represent the independent search companies. Typically smaller firms of many years standing. Andrew Prismall of HW has been Executive Chairman of IPSA for more than 4 years now.
PCCB
Property Codes Compliance Board – The Search Code.
Although financially owned by COPSO as it was funded by them, its runs as an independent arbitrator and accreditation body for the personal search industry . It is made up of independent non-search people. They are industry specialists.
The vast majority of mortgage lenders CLICK HERE FOR LINK TO WEBSITE PAGE accept personal searches so long as they are part of the Search Code. Every subscribed firm is regularly audited and checked by three professional inspectors. The Property Ombudsman also acknowledges the Code.
Every search, including Drainage and Environmental reports provided by a search code member firm must , and will, carry the blue house logo.
