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Welcome to the Journal of Trading Standards online edition, JoTS Online. Browse through our latest Articles - including Analysis, Opinion Pieces, Features and a selection of articles from our acclaimed print journal.
Although many JoTS Online articles are open access (public), others are exclusive to CTSI Members - in which case, you'll need to login to access them. If you aren't a member of CTSI yet, you can join us here. And, if you'd like to contribute articles or suggest topics for us to cover, please email our Editorial Team.
Latest JoTS Online Articles :
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Fighting the good fight
Posted: 23 March 2022
ANALYSIS: As trading standards faces shrinking resources and expanding responsibilities, leading voices from across the profession examine how its adaptability can remain a strength without diluting professional identity, exploring leadership, resilience, partnership working and the future direction of the service.
Interview: Professor Kathy Hamilton
Posted: 22 March 2022
ANALYSIS: Consumer vulnerability is shaped by far more than age or income. Professor Kathy Hamilton discusses transformative consumer research, the social and structural factors that create vulnerability, and how this evidence can help trading standards develop more effective, consumer-centred interventions.
Speaking out for consumers
Posted: 22 March 2022
ANALYSIS: Seventy years after its creation, the Consumer Public Interest Network continues to champion the consumer voice in standards development. This feature explores its evolving priorities, the role of volunteer representatives and why meaningful consumer involvement remains central to better standards.
New borders to consumer protection
Posted: 20 January 2022
ANALYSIS: EU Exit has reshaped cross-border consumer protection, from holiday refunds and subscription traps to digital rights, court remedies and enforcement cooperation. With UK consumers losing access to several EU redress routes, the article considers how divergence, litigation barriers and the UK ICC’s advice role may affect confidence in buying from European traders.
The energy to fight climate change
Posted: 13 January 2022
ANALYSIS: Net Zero will transform how consumers heat, insulate and power their homes, creating risks around misleading claims, poor installation, smart meters, heat pumps and domestic energy storage. Trading standards has a vital role in ensuring the transition protects consumers, supports reputable businesses and avoids repeating past green scheme failures.
Touchstone Award success stories
Posted: 06 January 2022
ANALYSIS: The 2021 Touchstone Award highlighted two strong examples of hallmarking enforcement: a Scotland-wide premises and online jewellery project coordinated by SCOTSS, and Hertfordshire’s work with Amazon to improve seller guidance and remove millions of inaccurate gold listings.
The Enterprise Act: A comedy of errors?
Posted: 06 January 2022
ANALYSIS: In July 2017, James Slater was trading as Response Roofing. He had a rather long history of fraud offences and was well known to trading standards across the South East of England, with 97...
CTSI: new TAC a 'curate's egg'
Posted: 18 November 2021
ANALYSIS: CTSI welcomes the new Trade and Agriculture Commission but argues it lacks sufficient consumer protection expertise. The Institute sets out why stronger regulatory representation is needed to ensure future trade agreements maintain high standards for consumers and businesses.
Looking back at Symposium 2021
Posted: 27 October 2021
ANALYSIS: From debate on consumer vulnerability and post-pandemic resilience to awards, networking and keynote sessions, Symposium 2021 brought the profession together to reflect on recent challenges and look ahead to the future of trading standards.
At home with the Tenant Fees Act
Posted: 26 August 2021
ANALYSIS: The Tenant Fees Act 2019 came into force in England on June 1, 2019 and brought with it a number of new challenges for trading standards. The legislation was intended...
