New Board Appointments Boost
September 2015

Two new directors have joined the Board of TrustMark this month, increasing further the Government-endorsed find a trader scheme's opportunities for collaborative working with other industry bodies and consumer protection groups. 

Carol Brady, chairman of the Board of the Chartered Trading Standards Institute (CTSI) and leading consumer protection specialist, and Jon Vanstone, who includes in his portfolio the chairmanship of the Competent Persons Forum, are the latest additions to TrustMark's 'Board of talents'. Both are elected for a three year term.

Carol Brady runs her own consultancy and, in addition to her CTSI responsibilities, works with several organisations including the body that operates the Consumer Code for Home Builders. She has more than 30 years’ experience of consumer protection policy and practice, and has been appointed as a non-trade director to TrustMark.

Carol Brady said: “I know only too well how schemes such as TrustMark can drive up consumer confidence and satisfaction in a market place that can often be seen as dominated by ‘rogues’.  I believe there is a close synergy between CTSI’s own Consumer Codes Approval Scheme and TrustMark, in particular, the vital part such schemes play in supporting reputable and honest tradesmen and protecting consumers in the decisions they make.  

“I welcome the opportunity to contribute towards the development of TrustMark and being able to add value from the experience I bring from working not only from within a consumer protection environment at a senior level, but through my ability to successfully communicate and build relationships across all levels of a wide number of organisations and representative bodies.“

As a recently appointed Trade Director, Jon Vanstone brings to the organisation his wealth of corporate experience as Managing Director of the TrustMark scheme operator GGF Training. In addition to this role, he also currently holds the position of Director within both the GGF Group and the Trade Association Forum.

Jon Vanstone said: “Having worked within and alongside a number of commercial businesses, I understand the importance of best practice in raising industry standards. TrustMark has a unique position, in that it acts as a benchmark for a number of trades within the repair, maintenance and improvement sector. As a passionate advocate of professional excellence, I am delighted to be joining the TrustMark Board, an organisation whose focus is so aligned with my own beliefs.

“As a TrustMark director, my intention is to strengthen the existing relationships between TrustMark and its stakeholders, ultimately positively reinforcing the brand within the market. I look forward to championing TrustMark as the first port of call for consumers when searching for a quality tradesperson.” 

TrustMark’s Board currently consists of three trade directors, two non-trade directors and an independent chairman.  A further vacancy is arising for another non-trade director following the early departure of Sarah Harrison, who has since left the sector.  Further information about this appointment will be published on the TrustMark website later this month.

www.trustmark.org.uk