13 September 2023
The CIPP has united with the seven leading UK providers of EWA to create an ‘EWA Code of Practice’. Written in response to a recommendation by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA), the Code sets the common standard for firms providing EWA products to deliver good consumer outcomes.
We encourage organisations considering the introduction of EWA to read the Code to better understand what providers can and should be doing to deliver good consumer outcomes. In line with the FCA Woolard Review recommendation, we suggest that organisations only partner with providers adhering to the Code and its assurance framework.
Commitments of the code
1. Product Design and Value: Firms will design EWA products and services that meet the needs of employees and provide fair value to consumers.
2. Communicating with Consumers: Firms will communicate with consumers in a way that is clear, fair, and not misleading; allowing consumers to make informed decisions.
3. Vulnerability: Firms will act to deliver good outcomes and consistently fair treatment to vulnerable consumers in relation to the EWA products.
4. Ongoing Consumer Support: Firms will support consumers to realise the benefits of EWA products and services in pursuit of their financial objectives.
5. Product Governance: Firms will continuously manage EWA products and identify where products no longer provide fair value or meet consumer needs.
6. Oversight and Measuring Outcomes: Firms will monitor the outcomes that they are delivering to consumers through appropriate management information.
7. Appropriate Consumer Relationships and Conflicts of Interest: Firms will maintain appropriate consumer relationships and avoid conflicts of interest which lead to consumer harm.
8. Training and Competency: Firms will train staff to provide suitable service and support to consumers. Staff will feel comfortable in the roles they take on.
9. Assurance: Firms will commit to annually assuring that they meet the measures outlined within the Code and deliver good outcomes for consumers.
[READ THE FULL CODE HERE] | [VISIT THE PAGE HERE]
