Raising standards in the jewellery industry: Introducing the NAJ's whistleblower mailbox

02 Aug 2022

 

Earlier this year, the NAJ unveiled a new strategy based on the three pillars of compliance, profit and responsibility. Supporting a drive for greater transparency and compliance within the UK jewellery industry, the NAJ is now launching a whistleblower mailbox - concern@naj.co.uk. The trade can confidentially alert the Association to jewellery companies that may not be conducting business in a legally compliant way. This extends beyond just NAJ members and includes all companies in the jewellery trade.

Compliance benefits the whole industry

Whether you are an NAJ member or not, bad businesses harm the reputation of everyone in the trade. It is why the National Association of Jewellers is focused on improving standards and educating the trade on best practices. It is at the heart of the organisation with every member signing up to the Code of Conduct, based on honesty, integrity and professionalism. After all, a compliant jewellery industry is a healthy and profitable one.

Alerting the NAJ to poor practice

For those in the trade worried about the activities of other businesses, the NAJ now has a confidential email service that can help alert us to poor practices in the industry. Any email sent to concern@naj.co.uk will be dealt with by an expert compliance department. This service is open to all in the jewellery trade irrespective of whether you are a member of the Association or not. 

Issues raised could be anything from pricing and product descriptions to hallmarking and everything in-between. Some businesses may not be aware they are breaking the law, whereby simple guidance and education are enough. For others, more decisive disciplinary action will be necessary.

The compliance process 

Once the compliance department has investigated the complaint and a breach of the law has been identified, the NAJ will begin a re-education and disciplinary process. For NAJ members, this will mean going through the recently revised disciplinary process, consisting of soft, then hard communication.

Non-NAJ members will be approached and explained how they are in breach of the law, providing advice and an opportunity to rectify the problem. Consistent violations after being made aware of the compliance issue will result in legal action through Trading Standards. 

The NAJ is here to promote and protect every jewellery business, and that means being firmly in the corner of both consumers and professional and reputable businesses.

To raise the standards and practices of the industry as a whole, the National Association of Jewellers need your help. If you find anything you think bends or breaks the law, please report it via the email address below (with evidence). Please share with your staff and sales teams, who may also be alerted to these issues more frequently. 

Together, we can promote a fairer, more compliant and transparent industry.

Email concern@naj.co.uk

Source: National Association of Jewellers