What You Need To Know About Locksmith Regulations & Qualifications

If you’re in a position where you need a locksmith, finding out about the different qualifications and regulations to find a trustworthy service can be confusing. Apart from mandatory DBS checks, knowing what qualifications separate a professional locksmith from those just pretending can be challenging. 

Unfortunately, there has been a rise in “pop-up” locksmiths using qualifications that make them seem legitimate, but they don’t hold any accreditations making them worthwhile your time. It can be as easy as setting up a website for someone looking to make quick money by offering shoddy services. 

In the last few years, the locksmith industry has seen a massive increase in demand for their services. There are many reasons for this increase in demand, but one of the most obvious ones is that more people than ever before are beginning to realise just how important it is to have a quality lock system on their doors.

However, with this increased demand comes an increase in unqualified individuals attempting to make money by offering these services. This can be a big problem because these people often lack formal training or qualifications and may be unable to provide you with the needed services.

The good news is that there are regulations in place that will help protect you from these types of people. If you know what they are and how they work, you’ll know how to find qualified professionals who can provide you with quality services at an affordable price.

Regulated locksmiths in the UK:

A common misconception many people have is that locksmiths are indeed “regulated” in the UK. This isn’t true since there is no official government licensing nor a regulatory board that sets regulations for the industry. This means no “regulated” locksmiths operate within the UK since the trade has no centralised governing body to set any regulations. This can be an issue for those trying to find a trustworthy locksmith. 

There has been a massive surge of organisations trying to set up associations to create qualifications to try and regulate the industry. The problem with these is that many don’t vet their members well, which means anyone can join them. This can create a lot of false advertising as a company that adorns its marketing with these qualifications can make it seem like they’re qualified for the job when actually, all they’ve done is just paid an entry fee to say that it’s a member of this association. 

DBS Checks:

This isn’t to say that you cannot use associations and qualifications to indicate a locksmith’s experience. DBS checks indicate a locksmith’s credibility, which is crucial since you’ll give a locksmith direct access to your property.

DBS checks are mandatory for many roles in the UK. This is because DBS checks protect employers and employees from potential harm.

A DBS check is also known as a ‘disclosure’ or ‘criminal record certificate’ (CRB). It’s a document that shows an applicant’s criminal record and any cautions or convictions they have received in England and Wales.

The acronym comes from its full title – Disclosure and Barring Service. This is the government agency which oversees it.

It is used by employers when recruiting staff, such as cleaners or security guards at retail outlets like supermarkets or DIY stores. It can also be used by landlords who want to hire property agents to manage their properties.

Trading Standards Approved:

Having a locksmith that is Trading Standards, Approved is also a good sign, considering they’ll operate with high business standards and an initiative to supply their customers confidently. In some areas, Checkatrade work with the local Trading Standards. This makes for an even more credible accreditation since approval means rigorous organisations would’ve examined the business.  

The vetting process alone from Trading Standards Approved is enough to instil confidence in anyone using a genuinely approved locksmith. Locksmiths that are Trading Standards Approved are also regularly monitored, ensuring that quality doesn’t drop for whatever reason, guaranteeing a quality service to all customers. We’ve included a comprehensive list below to let you know what it takes to be Trading Standards Approved:

• A business wanting approval to participate in an interview that Checkatrade carries out. This will occur at the business owner’s home or place of work. 
• Trading Standards undergo several background checks to ensure the business they are working with has nothing to hide. Both confidential and restricted information will be checked and examined, ensuring no stone is left unturned.
• Public Liability Insurance is essential for those wanting to work in the public sector. This is confirmed when a business goes through the Trading Standards checks.
• The business owner and any other employee go through ID checks.
• Criminal Background Checks ensure the owner / responsible person of the business has nothing to hide. 
• Trading Standards will also go through steps to ensure that the trading address of a business is correct and verified. This is vital to know since this ties a business to a set location. This offers peace of mind worried about illicit locksmiths operating under shady pretences.
• Trading Standards will also go through customer reference checks to ensure past jobs and reviews are legitimate and not falsified. 

Once a business is approved, they are constantly monitored by Checkatrade. This ensures that the continual delivery of a professional service happens, with no dip in the quality of service. 

Checkatrade also acts as a trusted review platform as a great way to compare previous customers’ experiences with any given trader. This is perfect for those looking to work with a suitable trader.

Which? Trusted Traders

There are also third-party accreditations that aren’t associated with the government, like Which? Trusted Traders. Which? operate with a level of standards that anyone looking for a locksmith should seek. Which? is a trusted regulatory accreditation/organisation that offers accreditations that take months, if not years, of good business standing to earn.

The “Which? Trusted Traders” scheme is an endorsement scheme that recognises reputable and dependable traders who successfully pass a rigorous assessment process. The accreditation is also reviewed every two years, ensuring that standards and practices are maintained to the highest standards. 

Is a business wanting to become a Which? Trusted trader also has to provide evidence of their financial position and any supporting qualifications they may have that is applicable. The business will also have stringent corporate policies and complaint procedures to be accepted into this scheme.

More about Millennium Locksmiths: 

When we think about the accreditations we have as an independent locksmith company, we feel that we operate in line with the highest standards in the industry. This isn’t just what we think about ourselves since we’re backed by all required accreditations and organisations like Which?, Trading Standards and Checkatrade. 

When you work with a professional locksmith that has gone through the proper accreditations and obtained the best certifications, you can rest assured that you’ll be given a dependable service that you can trust. You’ll also be reassured that the company you have called is responsible for the work done. 

Are you looking for Locksmiths in Harpenden and surrounding areas? Contact Millennium Locksmiths today for free locksmith quotes.