LCA MEMBERS SIGN UP FOR INSURANCE PARTNERSHIP

Almost two thirds of the members of the Lead Contractors Association have now signed up for an exclusive agreement with Eastwells, the property management company that handle the claims procedures for the Ecclesiastical Insurance Group for all their insured property, which includes some 85% of the churches and associated buildings in the UK. With the current spate of lead thefts, church roofs have been an obvious and sometimes easy target, but the agreement means that when such thefts occur, the resulting insurance claims are dealt with quickly and professionally by LCA members working on behalf of EIG. All claims and resulting estimates are notified by Eastwell and dealt with through the LCA office, with work being allocated according to geographic location. Where more than one LCA member services the same area, claims are allocated on strict rotation. Once approved, payment for the work carried out is effected within 28 days. The following is an explanitary leaflet circulated by Eastwell to EIG policyholders, explaining the scheme A Guide for Customers Eastwell has many years’ experience in operating an approved repairer scheme for insurers and policyholders. All contractors used have been vetted and approved to the required level of competency that not only ensures that we protect customers against poor practice but also means the contractor’s comply with all related statutory and safety regulations. Any contractor assigned by Eastwell has proven their skills standards, integrity and professionalism and have demonstrated a commitment to customer service. Assisting your insurer in respect of claims for replacement of stolen lead, Eastwell work in partnership with the Lead Contractor’s Association. Members of the LCA are all leadwork specialists and must undergo a vigorous on site inspection of their work before gaining admission to the Association. Whilst they remain members must continue to submit examples of their work to nominated vetting officers to be graded as part of an ongoing vetting programme which ensures that quality standards in design and workmanship are not allowed to slip. LCA members are required, as a condition of their membership, to work to BS6915 (Guide to Good Practice) and the recommendations of the Lead Sheet Association (LSA). The LSA are the ultimate independent technical authority for leadwork in construction. The Lead Contractors Association are a major voice in the metal roofing sector of the construction industry and are approved as registered TrustMark Scheme Operators. Their members work closely with designers, architects, surveyors, local authorities, English Heritage and the National Trust. The LCA are founder members of the National Heritage Training Group and operate their own training facilities at the Building Crafts College in Stratford, London, so as to ensure the craft skills of the industry are handed on to future generations. The LCA shares Eastwell’s commitment and dedication to customer care, quality standards and best practice. Together, the Ecclesiatical, Eastwell and the Lead Contractors Association have developed a scheme to tackle the ‘epedemic’ increases in levels of claims following the theft of lead and to regulate the cost whilst ensuring the highest quality or workmanship remains. You get a service that you are unlikely to find normally: •Friendly assistance is just a phone call away •We monitor the paperwork and progress of the work • We assist in the correct resolution of any complaints •Works are covered by a standard 12 month guarantee •An additional 25 year leadwork guarantee is available. If you have any questions as you are guided through the claim process, please telephone in the following: The Lead Contractor’s Association 01342 317888 or Eastwell 01233 647019