Who can apply to the IMA?
Only IMA members can apply to the IMA to be a DRO Intermediary and you will need to have your membership number available. If you are not currently a member but are interested in applying please follow this link to IMA membership.
Regulations
The Insolvency Service has published draft statutory requirements which must be satisfied before an applicant can be approved. To see these regulations go to the Insolvency Service website or follow this link to DRO Regulations 2009. This draft is due to be finalised soon and we will update you accordingly. The IMA will be responsible for ensuring that these statutory requirements are fulfilled as well as applying our own assessment criteria to measure elements such as experience, training and competence.
How to apply - The Application Process
There are three sections to the application process which will be primarily completed online. Each part of your application will only be submitted as you click ‘done' at the end of each part. You may prefer to print off or copy parts of the application so that you can work on it off line.
Part one:
The first part of the application which you are about to start reflects the main statutory requirements and regulations set out in the Debt Relief Orders (Designation of Competent Authorities) Regulations 2009 (see link above). This part of the application process comprises of an online application form and a hard copy, signed declaration, which you can download here. You will need these other documents as you progress through your application.
Continue with Part One of the application process
Part two:
Will ask you to confirm that you have undertaken the necessary training for you to become an Intermediary.
Continue with Part Two of the application process
Part three:
Requires that you provide information showing that you have sufficient experience in dealing with various types of debt and debt resolution strategies. Applicants will be asked to supply a case reference evidencing that they have discussed or dealt with each of the specified debts and strategies. We will request an electronic copy of case notes for checking (client's identification removed). We will be assessing competence against the National Occupational Standards (LA41).
Continue with Part Three of the application process
Continuing Assessment of Intermediaries
Once approved, Intermediaries will need to renew their approval every two years. This will involve showing that knowledge and skills are up to date. Also each intermediary will have an identifying number and therefore will allow the Insolvency Service to collect information on the applications received and share it with the Competent Authority. The Competent Authority can use this and information gathered via third parties or our complaints procedure in our continuing assessment of Intermediaries. The Competent Authority has the right to revoke approval of Intermediaries if it decides that they are no longer suitable for the role.
Complaints Procedure
Download the IMA Complaints Procedure and the IMA Information and Complaints Leaflet.
