The Property Ombudsman scheme is to hold its first conference.

Called “Raise Your Standards”, it will take place on October 14 at the National Motorcycle Museum in Solihull, with attendance open to both member and non-member agents.

Gerry Fitzjohn, vice-chairman of TPO, said: “The aim behind its launch has been simple – to help raise standards and improve customer service within the property industry.

“We work in a field that is continuously developing, with new legislation and regulation being introduced all the time, and therefore education is key.

“This conference will provide attendees with four hours of CPD through well-known industry guest speakers all offering their professional expertise on a range of relevant and interesting topics as well as practical workshops, including one run by the ombudsman Christopher Hamer which will put individuals in the place of a TPO case officer.”

Speakers confirmed for the event include: James Munro (team leader of the National Trading Standards Estate Agency Team), Leon Livermore (chief executive of the Trading Standards Institute), Tim Wakelin (property industry trainer) and Robert Bolwell (head of landlord and tenant department at Dutton Gregory Solicitors), and there will be more announced in the coming weeks.

Hamer said: “With my term as ombudsman coming to an end on November 30, the conference is going to be a good way to wrap it all up.

“My successor should be appointed by then so this will present a great opportunity for attendees to meet him or her.”

Further information is here