Joining CIVEA

What are the benefits of becoming a CIVEA member?

The Civil Enforcement Association (CIVEA) represents certificated enforcement agents operating throughout England and Wales. It is run by our corporate members who elect the Executive Council.

By working with the Ministry of Justice alongside other government departments and agencies we ensure a fair deal for enforcement agents – whether an individual or a company.

Our members help shape new policies and share best practice for the benefit of the industry as a whole. We maintain strong relationships with government, local authorities, the debt advice sector and other key organisations.

We are highly effective at representing the views of the industry to influence policy making.

For instance, CIVEA was central in developing a clear and straightforward framework for our industry as part of the Tribunals, Courts and Enforcement (TCE) Act 2007 and amended through the Crime and Courts Act 2013. We were instrumental in the formulation of the Enforcement Conduct Board (ECB). CIVEA was represented on the working group that collaborated with the debt advice charities to draft a framework document that became the blueprint for the new oversight body.

We are a key member of the ECB Stakeholder Engagement Forum that, alongside the debt advice charities, provides insight and intelligence to support the ECB in business planning and achieving its objectives.

During the Covid-19 pandemic, CIVEA led the industry and set best practice for enforcement agents. The development of an industry-wide Post Lockdown Support Plan was highly commended by government ministers and ensured that agents were able to return to work safely without risk to the public or themselves.

CIVEA is committed to setting the highest possible standards and this is reinforced by the appointment of an independent panel who adjudicate on complaints about its members and ensure members are compliant with the CIVEA Code of Practice.

Membership Options

Membership is open to all certificated enforcement agents, enforcement companies and local authority in-house enforcement teams working throughout England and Wales. Membership enables enforcement agents to: 

The Executive Council – be part of CIVEA

Candidates who are interested in becoming a member of the Executive Council must be a representative of a Corporate Member of the association. Each Council member is elected by CIVEA Corporate members every two years. In addition to the twelve councillor members, three officers are elected: a President, Vice President and Treasurer. The Executive Council also appoints the Chief Executive Officer who is responsible for the day to day running of CIVEA.

How do I apply to become a CIVEA member?

The annual subscription cost for each type of membership is available upon request, please email admin@civea.co.uk for further details.

Applications for Corporate, Public Body and Private Membership of CIVEA can only be considered if the applicant provides all the required documentation and meets the eligibility criteria for membership of the association. If the application for membership is successful, the member will observe and abide by the principles in the CIVEA Rules of the Association and the CIVEA Code of Practice.

In all cases, membership applications will be considered by members of the Executive Council after receipt of all the necessary documentation.

Any enforcement agent bonds that are required from the association can be requested after membership is confirmed. Enforcement agent bonds cannot be issued to persons who do not have either private membership of the association or who work for, and whose bond is applied for, on behalf of a corporate member of the association.

A Corporate Member is entitled
to the following benefits:

  • A representative to attend CIVEA general meetings where policy issues are discussed and is entitled to a single vote.
  • Receive the minutes of all CIVEA general meetings.
  • Use of the CIVEA logo on the company’s website and company literature.
  • Free enforcement agent bonds for employees issued in accordance with CIVEA Rules.
  • Competitive rates for TCOG training and exams.
  • Publication of the company’s contact details on this website along with a link to their own.

To apply please send us:

  • A completed Corporate Membership Application Form
  • A valid copy of the company’s professional indemnity insurance.
  • A copy of two professional references.
  • Searches from the Registry of County Court Judgments against your name and your trading name(s) for all addresses during the past 5 years.
  • Sample letterhead used by the business.
  • Sample forms used by the business: these must include copies of all Statutory Notices in addition to any other letters or forms used.
  • In the case of a newly formed business, provisional membership may be granted on the strict understanding that such accounts will be submitted at the earliest opportunity and that continued membership is subject to those accounts being satisfactory.

Public Body Membership

A Public Body Member is entitled to the following benefits

  • A representative to attend CIVEA general meetings where policy issues are discussed and is entitled to a single vote.
  • Receive the minutes of all CIVEA general meetings.
  • Use of the CIVEA logo on the company’s website and company literature
  • Free enforcement agent bonds for employees issued in accordance with the CIVEA Rules.
  • Competitive rates for TCOG training and exams
  • Publication of the company’s contact details on the CIVEA website along with a link to their own.
  • A copy of the quarterly edition of Enforcement News.

To apply please send us:

  • A completed Public Body Application Form
  • A valid copy of the company’s professional indemnity insurance.
  • Sample letterhead.
  • Sample forms including copies of all Statutory Notices in addition to any other letters or forms used.

Private Membership is open to an individual certificated enforcement agent and the member is entitled to the following benefits:

  • Information on current developments, sent to a personal e-mail address.
  • Subject to the annual subscription being paid, a certificated enforcement agent's bond at no extra cost.
  • An opportunity to voice opinions on developments and influence changes.
  • Brief personal contact details displayed on this website (not business details).

For private membership, in addition to a completed application form, the association also requires a copy of the current enforcement agent certificate and brief details of experience within the enforcement industry.

To apply please send us:

  • A completed Private membership application form.
  • A copy of your current Enforcement Agent Certificate
  • A copy of two professional references, including an employer reference if applicable
  • Sample letterhead used by the business.
  • Sample forms used by the business: these must include copies of all Statutory Notices in addition to any other letters or forms used.
  • Searches from the Registry of County Court Judgments against your name and your trading name(s) for all addresses during the past 5 years.
  • Copy of professional indemnity insurance cover.
  • Brief details of experience working within the enforcement industry including the businesses worked for and when.

Student Membership is for anyone who is training to become a certificated enforcement agent.

If you are seeking to become a certificated enforcement agent, Student Membership is available for a period up to twelve months. Membership may be granted if the applicant can provide evidence that training has or will be undertaken and if details are provided of the business in which the applicant will be working. Upon completion of their training and certification, the Student Member can then apply for Private Membership.

To apply please send us:

Members List

A full list of our members is available online

0844 893 3922

CIVEA
PO Box 745
WAKEFIELD
WF1 9RJ

For general enquiries only, you can contact us by email (admin@civea.co.uk), letter or telephone.

If you have a complaint or concern about one of our members, please go to our complaints page for advice

CIVEA is unable to discuss complaint matters over the telephone and complaints should be sent in writing. This is to ensure that the details of your complaint are accurately recorded and understood which makes it easier in addressing your complaint thoroughly. Please advise if you have a disability, so that we can make reasonable adjustments.

Media Contact

Contact us

You can contact us by email, letter or telephone.