OISC Code of Standards

The OISC (Office of the Immigration Services Commissioner) Code of Standards outlines the regulatory framework governing immigration advice and services in the United Kingdom. Its purpose is to ensure that individuals and organisations providing immigration advice or services maintain high standards of professionalism, competence, and ethical conduct.

The primary purpose of the OISC Code of Standards is to safeguard the interests of individuals seeking immigration advice or services. It establishes a set of guidelines and expectations for immigration advisors and organisations to maintain integrity, competence, and transparency in their practices. The code aims to build public trust in immigration services while promoting fair and accurate advice.

The Code of Standards sets forth a comprehensive set of requirements that immigration advisors and organisations must adhere to. These requirements encompass various aspects of practice, including:

1. Competence and Knowledge: Advisors must possess the necessary skills, knowledge, and understanding of immigration law and procedures relevant to the services they provide.
2. Client Care and Confidentiality: Advisors are obligated to treat clients with respect, provide accurate information, and maintain strict confidentiality regarding their cases.
3. Financial Transparency: Advisors must be transparent about their fees and charges, ensuring that clients are informed about the cost of services upfront.
4. Professional Conduct: Advisors must act with honesty, integrity, and fairness in all dealings with clients, colleagues, and relevant authorities.
5. Continuing Professional Development (CPD): Advisors are required to engage in ongoing training and development activities to stay updated with changes in immigration law and best practices.
6. Record Keeping: Advisors must maintain accurate and detailed records of their interactions with clients, ensuring compliance with data protection regulations.
7. Complaints Handling: Advisors must have a robust system in place for handling client complaints promptly and effectively.
8. Advertising and Publicity: Advisors must ensure that any promotional materials or advertisements are accurate, clear, and not misleading.

The OISC Code of Standards applies to individuals, firms, and organisations that provide immigration advice or services in the UK. This includes:

1. Immigration Advisors: This encompasses individuals who offer advice or services on immigration matters, whether on a paid or voluntary basis.
2. Immigration Organisations and Firms: This category includes companies, partnerships, and organisations that offer immigration services, employing one or more advisors.
3. Regulated Advisors and Organisations: Those who are regulated by the OISC must strictly adhere to the Code of Standards to maintain their accreditation.

By setting out these clear requirements and expectations, the OISC Code of Standards plays a crucial role in ensuring the quality and reliability of immigration advice and services provided to the public in the United Kingdom. It helps to protect vulnerable individuals from unscrupulous practices and supports the integrity of the immigration system.

The OISC (Office of the Immigration Services Commissioner) Code of Standards outlines specific evidence requirements that immigration advisors and organisations must adhere to in order to ensure compliance with regulatory guidelines. These requirements are designed to establish transparency, accountability, and professionalism in the provision of immigration advice and services.

Summary of Evidence Requirements:

1. Client Identification and Verification: Advisors must collect and retain evidence of a client's identity, such as a valid passport or national ID card, to establish their identity and eligibility for immigration services.
2. Record Keeping: Advisors are required to maintain comprehensive and accurate records of all interactions and communications with clients. This includes detailed notes on advice given, applications submitted, and any correspondence related to the case.
3. Confirmation of Advice Given: Advisors must provide clients with written confirmation of the advice given, which should include details on the nature of the advice, relevant legal provisions, and any specific actions recommended.
4. Fee Agreements and Receipts: Advisors must provide clients with clear and transparent fee agreements outlining the cost of services. They must also issue receipts for any payments received.
5. Correspondence and Communication: All written and electronic communications with clients, relevant authorities, and third parties must be properly documented and retained as evidence.
6. Client Agreements and Contracts: Advisors are required to maintain copies of signed agreements or contracts between themselves and the client, which should outline the scope of services to be provided.
7. Continuing Professional Development (CPD) Records: Advisors must keep records of their participation in CPD activities, including details of training sessions, workshops, and relevant conferences attended.
8. Complaints Handling: Documentation of complaints received from clients, along with records of the steps taken to address and resolve these complaints, must be retained.
9. Advertising and Publicity Materials: Evidence of all promotional materials, advertisements, and public communications must be kept, including copies of printed materials, digital content, and online listings.
10. Data Protection and Confidentiality: Advisors must maintain evidence of compliance with data protection regulations, including policies and procedures related to the secure handling of client information.
11. Monitoring and Quality Assurance: Records of internal audits, reviews, and quality assurance measures undertaken by the advisor or organisation should be maintained.

Advisors and organisations regulated by the OISC must diligently adhere to these evidence requirements. This ensures transparency, accountability, and the ability to demonstrate compliance with the Code of Standards. It also serves to protect both the interests of clients and the integrity of the immigration services provided.