Understanding the Code of Conduct
The BWF operates a Code of Conduct for its members, which sets out the principles of good practice for woodworking and joinery businesses.
The aim of the Code is to:
- Set a benchmark standard for the woodworking and joinery industry and help members to achieve it
- Promote and encourage standards and quality in the industry
- Give members confidence in their colleagues
- Ensure the BWF logo is recognised increasingly as a mark of quality, so that customers choose BWF members.
The Code represents the standard to which BWF members commit themselves to working. If a company does not currently meet the standard, the BWF will help them towards achieving compliance. New members who do not comply on joining are expected to reach the standard within 12 months.
The assessment programme
A Code is only respected if it incorporates regular independent verification. All members receive an inspection and assessment visit once every four years. The programme of assessment visits is a fundamental element of the Code of Conduct. The assessors conduct a detailed inspection of the company, looking for evidence of compliance, and offer advice and assistance through the BWF where they find that the company does not yet meet the requirements.
The initial round of inspections (which began in 2003 and is due to end this year) was formulated on the basis of the information drawn from an individual self-assessment exercise. This process helped the BWF to identify the areas where a company needed specific assistance in achieving the Code's requirements. We have produced guides on preparing and implementing environmental and waste management policies, training policies, health and safety policies and complaints procedures in response to members? needs. Where appropriate, more than one version of a guide has been produced in order to tailor the advice more specifically to the smaller member company.
The mark of a quality joinery company
The Code has now become a living, working reality for BWF members, something that they value and appreciate being associated with. We acknowledge we cannot shy away from telling a member company honestly that it falls short of the Code's requirements, but if a company fails to comply with any part of the Code, we are committed to offering our services, expertise and contacts to help them reach the standard. The Code is not intended to catch people out or punish them - it aims to set the standards by which anyone can recognise a quality woodworking business. The goal is to promote quality and encourage its achievement, rather than ?passing? or ?failing?, sanctions or expulsions.
When you see a company displaying the BWF logo, you should know you can rely on its products and its service.
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