Code of Conduct becomes mandatory for joinery manufacturers within BWF membership

Woodworking and joinery manufacturing companies are reminded that complying with our Code of Conduct is now a mandatory requirement of BWF membership. With all long time BWF members having received a Code of Conduct visit, all bar a few members are fully compliant with the Code. New members receive their assessment audit within a few months of joining.

The Code sets out the principles of good practice for a woodworking or joinery business. We are working with all the remaining non-compliant members to ensure that they meet the standard and will crack down hard on members who undermine the Code. A serious breach of the standard could result in the member being removed from the federation, so the BWF is keen to see that members understand the benefits and principles of the Code.

BWF Policy Executive, Matt Mahony commented,

“Far from being a burden, compliance with the Code is a terrific opportunity for members to show that they are a cut above their competitors. Following the standards for workmanship, company stewardship and environmental discipline will improve your business’s bottom line, and show both customers and staff that a company is responsible and well run. In addition to this, all manufacturing members receive what is essentially a free business audit from one of our experienced assessors.”

“The Code sets out a number of obligations which including written contracts of employment, having an appropriate number of first aiders, and adopting policies for training, customer care, and health & safety. Abiding by the Code will help remove the headache of contractual disputes with customers or staff, and assist in ensuring that you are compliant with health and safety and technical legislation.”

The aim of the BWF Code of Conduct is to:

• Set a benchmark standard for the woodworking and joinery industry and help members to achieve it
• Give members confidence in their colleagues
• Ensure the BWF logo is recognised as a mark of quality, so that customers choose BWF members
• Promote and encourage standards and quality in the industry

If you feel that you may not have all of the policies in place to comply with the Code of Conduct, we remain fully committed to helping you meet the Code’s standards. The BWF Code of Conduct Guide to Compliance is available on the BWF website, and there is a selection of guides and policies that you can adapt and adopt to help your business comply. This is just a case of logging in to the website as a member and going to www.bwf.org.uk/member/codeofconduct

We are extremely grateful for the commitment of the membership in formulating the Code and making it what it is today. However, it also goes without saying that existing compliant members shouldn’t let their standards slip! Check our news for updates to the latest technical, employment, and Health and Safety requirements and ensure that you are using the most up to date versions of our policy documents. If you need any assistance, don’t hesitate to contact us on 0844 209 2610