A new standards and mediation scheme specifically for Scottish estate agents and the private rented sector (PRS) has made an appointment to its board.

Malcolm Cannon, the chief executive of lettings agency Braemore, has been appointed to the board of the newly created The Property Ombudsman (TPO) Scotland to represent member companies north of the border.

Malcolm’s appointment as non-executive director follows Braemore’s drive to raise standards and champion best practice across the property management sector.

Malcolm contributed to the TPO Scotland’s two distinct Codes of Practice which lay down robust processes and disciplines for sales and lettings agents in Scotland and which have been endorsed by the Scottish Government and Shelter.

More than 500 estate agencies and lettings firms are TPO Scotland accredited and as members of the organisation must adhere to the Codes, while their customers have access to a robust dispute resolution process if things go wrong. As membership is voluntary, TPO Scotland represents a mark of quality and reassurance for tenants, landlords and home owners.

While his duties cover membership policies and to sponsor the Codes of Practice, Malcolm believes more must be done to encourage people to seek out TPO Scotland agencies.

Malcolm Cannon said: “It is imperative that good lettings businesses, providing high quality and reliable customer service, are not damaged by the rogue agents and non-compliant landlords acting at the edges of acceptable practice and it is equally important that members of the public are made aware of what standards they can expect.”

He added: “Braemore has, for some time, been lobbying and publicly supporting the raising of standards in the lettings industry and as members of TPO Scotland we are already bound by the regulations and redress process. In addition to the standards expected of all those agencies covered by TPO Scotland, Braemore is encouraging even greater regulation in the sector looking, in particular, at deposits, client accounts and training.”

Christopher Hamer, Ombudsman, added: “Malcolm’s drive and determination to promote best practice and responsible estate and lettings agencies makes him a very welcome member of our board. The property market is changing and it is vital that the Ombudsman scheme stays relevant and in touch with the agents at the coalface of the sector. Malcolm’s insights will be important as we move forward with new legislation on the near horizon.”

TPO Scotland was officially launched at a reception for Scottish property organisations and members last month.