Policy and Procedures
Credit Consultants Association Policy and Procedure for Ethical Inquiries, and Responding to Allegations of Ethical Violations
BACKGROUND
Credit Consultants Association has promulgated a Code of Ethics that is available to all members. The Code of Ethics sets forth the standard of professional conduct members to which are expected to adhere. The Ethics Committee is an important educational resource for Credit Consultants Association members and is available to members inquiring about matters of ethical and professional conduct. Neither Credit Consultants Association nor its Ethics Committee has ever been charged with the task of investigating ethical concerns raised by non-members that, if true, may constitute a violation of the Code of Ethics. Rather, this investigative task has been left to the appropriate state regulatory bodies. However, policy and procedure is needed that encourages member education about and compliance with the Credit Consultants Association Code of Ethics and provides a vehicle for addressing third-party concerns and/or charges of misconduct against a Credit Consultants Association member.
POLICY
It is the policy of the Credit Consultants Association that its members maintain high professional and ethical standards. To reinforce this policy, members receive education and regular updates on the Association’s Code of Ethics, are encouraged to contact the Credit Consultants Association Ethics Committee with any questions they have regarding inappropriate conduct within the scope of the Code of Ethics and are regularly reminded to comport themselves professionally so as to be in compliance with the Association’s Code of Ethics. It is the policy of Credit Consultants Association that the Ethics Committee is an educational arm of the Association and not an investigative body. However, it is important to provide a timely response to concerns about alleged misconduct by Credit Consultants Association members voiced by third parties. In furtherance of the above policy, Credit Consultants Association adopts the following procedures.
If there are violations of our policies: we will terminate your membership and certification, give you and your company an “F-Rating on our website and posted a warning to Certificationforfeited website warning the public to avoid doing business with you and your company. In addition, you will not have the right to use our logos and designations. Board Certified Credit Consultants®, “Board Certified Credit Repair Specialist®” Certified Credit Repair Specialist®, Certified Credit Score Consultant®, Certified Credit Repair Processor®.
PROCEDURES
- When accepted for membership in Credit Consultants Association, each new member is provided with a copy of the Code of Ethics. The information will be provided online.
- At least annually, Members will be reminded of the Association’s expectation that members conduct themselves professionally so as to comply with the Credit Consultants Association Code of Ethics
- Credit Consultants Association will use appropriate email newsletter or its website, and other appropriate technology to communicate the Association’s expectations regarding compliance with the Credit Consultants Association Code of Ethics to members.
- In the event a non-member (or a member) brings to the attention of the Association or any of its governing body a written allegation of ethical misconduct against a Credit Consultants Association member, the association will:
- Promptly respond to the individual and inform him or her that although Credit Consultants Association does not investigate allegations against members who may have violated the Code of Ethics, the individual is encouraged to contact the applicable state regulatory body as appropriate. However, we will remove them from our database.
- Advise the individual that any written statement submitted to Credit Consultants Association, of the alleged misconduct, will be maintained in a confidential file at the Credit Consultants Association administrative office.
- Advise the complainant that a copy of her/his written statement will be sent to the accused Credit Consultants Association member who will be given the opportunity to provide a written online response in pdf format.