Accreditations for Stairlift Suppliers – why these matter
When it comes to enhancing mobility and safety in the home, stairlifts are a vital investment for many individuals and families. However, selecting the right stairlift supplier can be overwhelming, especially with the variety of options available. One critical aspect to consider is the accreditations and certifications held by the supplier, especially considering the fact that some stairlift suppliers have none.
Accreditations and certifications are formal recognitions awarded by industry bodies or organisations that verify a supplier’s adherence to specific standards. They cover various aspects of manufacturing, safety, service quality and customer care. These credentials can make a significant difference in ensuring you receive a safe, reliable and high-quality product and service.
Why accreditations matter
Before we get into the various accreditations that we hold at Kudos Stairlifts, it is important to consider why they are so important when researching which stairlift supplier to choose.
- Safety Assurance: Safety is paramount when it comes to mobility aids. Suppliers with recognised accreditations are often subject to rigorous assessments that ensure their products meet or exceed safety standards. This is particularly important for stairlifts, which involve mechanical components and electrical systems that must be reliable.
- Quality of Product: Accredited suppliers are committed to maintaining high-quality standards in the manufacturing processes. This can lead to enhanced durability and functionality of the stairlifts they offer. A reliable product reduces the likelihood of malfunctions, providing peace of mind for users and their families.
- Customer Service and Support: Certifications often reflect a supplier’s commitment to excellent customer service. Accredited companies typically undergo training and evaluations that emphasise customer care, ensuring you receive proper guidance during the selection process and ongoing support after installation.
- Warranty and Liability Protection: Reputable suppliers with proper accreditations are more likely to offer comprehensive warranties on their products – including, like we offer, that these insurances are underwritten by an external company. In the event of an issue, having a supplier that adheres to industry standards can also help protect you from liability.
- Trust and Reputation: A supplier’s accreditations can serve as a testament to their credibility. Choosing a certified supplier provides an added layer of assurance, as these credentials often reflect their reputation in the industry and their commitment to ethical practices.
Our accreditations
- British Healthcare Trades Association (BHTA) – The BHTA is a consumer protection body, ensuring people who need their members’ products and services – who are often vulnerable due to age or medical condition – can be confident that they are treated fairly. All members are committed to the association’s Code of Practice, requiring companies to offer a level of service above and beyond the legal requirements. As a BHTA member, Kudos Stairlifts adheres to the associated OFT (office of fair trading) codes of conduct as well as the BHTA’s own CTSI-approved Code of Practice, which can be found by clicking here.
Contractors Health and Safety (CHAS) – Veriforce CHAS is the UK’s leading provider of compliance and risk management solutions – at the forefront of setting health and safety compliance benchmarks. As a co-founder and pioneer of the Safety Schemes in Procurement (SSIP) and the Common Assessment Standard, Veriforce CHAS leads the way in setting compliance benchmarks, raising supply chain risk management standards nationwide. This includes but is not limited to quality management to ISO 9001 standard and environmental management to ISO 14001 standard. You can find out more by clicking here.
- Buy With Confidence (Trading Standards Approved) – Buy With Confidence is a national register of Trading Standards Approved businesses run independently by local authority Trading Standards departments. Over 60 local authorities directly support the scheme, having decided that Buy With Confidence offers the strong consumer protection that they think is vital. All the businesses listed are vetted, approved and continue to be monitored by Trading Standards, to help ensure you receive a quality service. You can find out more by clicking here.
- CTSI Consumer Codes Approval Scheme (CCAS) – The CTSI Consumer Codes Approval Scheme (CCAS) aims to improve customer service standards by: the approval and promotion of codes of practice through code sponsors, approved by the Chartered Trading Standards Institute (CTSI); protecting consumers with higher levels of customer service; allowing businesses to display the codes logo to reassure consumers. Consumers can be confident that any approved business displaying the logo has a proven commitment to honest business and higher customer standards. You can find out more by clicking here.
- TrustMark (Government Endorsed Quality) – TrustMark are the only UK Government-Endorsed Quality Scheme for work carried out in and around the home. They are passionate about quality and assurance and what that means for homeowners and their Registered Businesses. As a not-for-profit business the focus is on homeowners and tradespeople, not on shareholders. Since starting in 2005, TrustMark have been working to help drive-up standards across the industry and improve the protection offered to homeowners when having work done. The TrustMark Code of Conduct can be found by clicking here.
Which? Trusted Trader endorsement scheme – Which? has been rigorously testing products and services for more than 60 years – we are also assessing and endorsing local tradespeople. The Which? Trusted Trader logo is a sign of reputation and trust, helping consumers choose the right trader for them and giving good traders the recognition they deserve. Which? Trusted Traders is an endorsement scheme run by Which? that recognises reputable traders who successfully pass an assessment process carried out by Which?’s own trading standards professionals. Not just anyone can become endorsed. More information on the Which? Trusted Trader Code of Conduct can be found by clicking here.
In the UK stairlift industry, there are two particular certifications that are absolutely crucial for suppliers – both of which Kudos Stairlifts and the products we supply adhere to:
- ISO Certifications: These indicate that a supplier meets international standards for quality management systems (ISO 9001) or environmental management (ISO 14001).
- BS EN Standards: These European standards relate specifically to stairlifts, ensuring they meet safety and performance requirements.
How to verify
When evaluating potential stairlift suppliers, it is crucial to take the time to verify the accreditations and certifications they have listed.
- Check for Documentation: Ask suppliers for copies of their certifications and accreditations. A reputable company will readily provide this information.
- Research the Accrediting Bodies: Ensure the organisations granting these certifications are well-respected and recognised in the industry.
- Read Reviews and Testimonials: Customer feedback can provide insights into the reliability of the supplier and their products. It is important to check whether the supplier’s platform for customer reviews is verified by an external body (such as the Which? Trusted Trader endorsement scheme), to ensure the reviews are from real customers about their true experience.
Choosing a stairlift supplier is not a decision to be taken lightly. The safety, reliability, and quality of the product directly impact the well-being of users. By prioritising suppliers with the appropriate accreditations and certifications, you can make a more informed choice that ensures you’re investing in a product that meets rigorous standards. Take the time to research and ask questions — your peace of mind and safety are worth it.
Contact our Client Focus Team today to discuss how a stairlift can improve and protect the quality of life for you and your family.
Choose from a range of industry-leading curved or straight stairlifts, suitable for almost any staircase and expertly installed by our own engineers.
Call us now on 0800 1522400 to arrange your free, no obligation survey and quote, or to ask any questions you may have.
