Edition 2, adopted by the ICL Steering Group on 21 September 2010.

Introduction

The name of the Association shall be the 'The Institute of Certified Locksmiths' (referred to in this constitution as 'the ICL').

Mission Statement

ICL Members will strive to offer:

  • Non-destructive methods will be used wherever possible.
  • In the event that an ICL Locksmith has to drill or destroy a healthy lock, the ICL Locksmith will replace this lock with a like-for-like lock free of any further charge to the customer. This relates to domestic and commercial customers, but excludes faulty locks and safes, and doesn't apply to entries under warrant or repossession work.
  • BS3621 locks will always be offered.
  • Members are trained, vetted, carry identification and are periodically assessed.
  • Prices are fair, quoted in advance and offer good value.
  • Work is fully guaranteed and receipted.

The ICL will assist its Members to achieve these aims by helping to establish a favourable operating environment, by providing a forum for discussion on non-competitive issues, and by providing information to assist them in their business.

Objectives

ICL shall have the following objectives:

  • To promote non-destructive entry (NDE).
  • To be a central representative body to put the views of NDE locksmith companies to Government departments, agencies and Parliament, the European Commission and other relevant organisations.
  • To work with other responsible trade groups such as the MLA and ALA to improve the trades image with the consumer.
  • To be a research and statistical centre, to aggregate and publish statistics, and to provide analysis on NDE and other relevant locksmithing market information.
  • To be a technical centre providing commentary, guidance and advice on all legal and other regulatory developments of relevance to NDE and locksmithing.
  • To provide a forum for the exchange of non-competitive information.

Membership

Membership of the ICL is available to companies and individuals as dictated and amended from time to time in the rules. Admission to membership is at the discretion of the Steering Group.

Associates

The Steering Group shall, at its discretion, admit as an associate of the ICL any organisation that does not offer locksmithing services but which is otherwise interested in the business, such as a supplier.

Associates shall be entitled to receive most publications and other literature prepared under the auspices of the ICL, and otherwise be entitled to participate in the affairs of the ICL as decided by the Steering Group.

Finance

The financial year of the ICL shall be the calendar year but this may be changed by resolution of the Steering Group.

The subscription scale shall be set by the Steering Group. Associates shall pay an annual subscription fixed by the Steering Group.

Meetings

The ICL shall hold quarterly meetings of the Steering Group. These will have minutes taken, and an overview and announcements from these meetings will be published on the Members forum for their information.

The ICL will also hold two general meetings per year open to its membership to attend. These will be a general meeting, training and assessment day and a social event for the benefit of the Members.

The Steering Group

The affairs of the ICL shall be directed by the Steering Group, comprising a minimum of ten Members selected by the remaining Steering Group from Member nominations from the fully paid Certified Members list.

A member of the Steering Group shall cease to be a member if he resigns from, or if he ceases to hold office in, the institution in which he has hitherto held office.

Each member of the Steering Group shall have one vote. The Chairman shall have a second, or casting, vote in the event of equality.

Publicity

The Institute shall publish an annual report on its activities, and a list of subscribing Members is always available on the main website. Both these documents will be published on the Institute's website, with the membership list being always up to date.

Committees and Panels

The Steering Group may establish and maintain project groups, and may delegate matters to them. The Steering Group may appoint technical panels to advise and assist it.

Treasurer

The Treasurer will be one of the principals of and audited by the Steering Group. The Treasurer will hold office until resignation or by agreement of the Steering Group.

The Treasurer will provide financial reports to the Steering Group at each quarterly meeting, and an annual report which will be published to the membership.

Delegation

The Steering Group may delegate any of their powers.

Revision of the Constitution

This constitution shall be amended by the ICL, provided that a majority of the Steering Group of the ICL present at the meeting vote in favour of amendments of which prior notice of at least 42 days has been given.