Legislative Compliance Protection & Representation
.We provide legislative compliance protection and representation in various areas of statutory regulation, including HSE, the Bribery Act 2010, Trading Standards and much more.
The Areas Advice, Protection and Representation might be needed.
AAL provides advice and representation in respect of several areas of statutory regulation. It is important to understand where such advice and representation would aid the smooth running of your business and help avoid financial penalties.
Health and safety – the HSE
The Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 and the Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999 provide the legal framework for Health and Safety in the workplace. The legislation is designed to place the duty on employers to take responsibility for the health and safety of their employees.
Bribery Act 2010
The Bribery Act 2010 was designed to create a level field in which businesses operate. There are four main criminal offences under the act. The first three offences relate to the individual, whereas the fourth is a strict liability offence for companies for failing to prevent bribery.
Trading Standards
Trading Standards are a government service that makes sure consumers are protected from unfair trading. The motor industry often is a victim to trading standards prosecutions, some justified and some from previous advice that’s been ignored.
Freedom of Information Act 2000
The Freedom of Information Act 2000 is often confused with the Data Protection Act 2018. It is designed to allow members of the public to gain information from public bodies. However, the freedom of Information Act only applies to tiers of Government, the Government itself, local authorities, the NHS, the Police, DVSA not private individuals or organisations.
If you are contemplating making an FOI application, contact AAL before submitting your request.
Whistle Blowing in the workplace, Whistle Blowing Policy and the Public Interest Disclosure Act 1998
If a member of staff feels they have suffered detriment due to whistleblowing and the whistleblowing was in the public interest they have the right to an Employment Tribunal. AAL believe whistleblowing should be encouraged and ALL reported events should be independently investigated by a third party.
Environmental Health
Environmental Health takes responsibility for ensuring food hygiene and policies areas relating to disability rights. They often make unannounced visits meaning organisations must be on top of Environmental Health legislation to avoid prosecution.
Consumer Contracts Regulations
The Consumer Contracts (Information, Cancellation and Additional Charges) Regulations 2013 protect consumers, who shop by phone, mail order or the Internet to make the purchase. The protection relates to the right of the consumer to receive clear information about goods and services in writing.
Access to the Media
If properly managed, a news story can increase the exposure of the dealership and provide free advertising. However, if mis-managed, the benefits of media coverage can be short-lived. Maintaining a professional stance in the media and managing the content your organisation is linked to can only help grow your reputation for the better.
Negligence, Fraud, Theft, and Criminal Investigations
Without the proper procedures in place, negligence, theft and fraudulent activity can occur at any dealership or motor vehicle-related business. Regular audits should be conducted.