A useful standard needs a label, a scope and a date
A code can strengthen a complaint when it genuinely applies. It can weaken one when its status is overstated or the wrong edition is used. This directory makes the source type visible.
Source status
Not every rule has the same legal weight
A code may be binding on members, incorporated into a licence or contract, recognised by a statutory scheme, or purely advisory. Identify which before relying on it.
| Source type | Typical effect | Complaint use |
|---|---|---|
| Regulator rule | Can bind authorised or licensed firms within scope. | Cite the rule, status, firm and relevant date. |
| Statutory code | Has a basis or status given by legislation. | Explain how the code applies and what follows from non-compliance. |
| Industry code | May bind members by membership, contract or scheme commitment. | Prove membership and the version in force. |
| Guidance | Explains an authority’s approach but may not itself create a right. | Use as interpretive or standards evidence without calling it legislation. |
| Scheme rules | Govern eligibility, procedure, evidence and remedies for ADR. | Use the current rules and preserve the referral deadline. |
Searchable directory
Codes, rulebooks and standards
The internal guide explains the practical context. The official link provides the current source and version information.
CAP Code
The UK Code of Non-broadcast Advertising and Direct & Promotional Marketing, written by CAP and administered by the ASA. It covers many online, print, outdoor, direct marketing and promotion issues.
BCAP Code
The UK Code of Broadcast Advertising, written by BCAP and administered by the ASA through the broadcast co-regulatory system with Ofcom.
FCA Handbook
Binding rules, guidance and sourcebooks for authorised financial firms. Identify the relevant sourcebook, rule status and version that applied at the time.
FCA Consumer Duty
A regulatory framework centred on firms delivering good outcomes for retail customers. It does not replace the need to identify the specific conduct, loss and remedy.
Ofcom General Conditions
General regulatory conditions for communications providers, including rules relevant to contracts, information, complaints and vulnerable customers.
Ofcom approved ADR framework
Rules and approvals governing the communications ADR schemes. Provider membership and the current referral waiting period determine the practical route.
UK Finance Standards of Lending Practice
Voluntary standards for participating registered firms covering aspects of lending to personal and business customers. Check registration and the edition in force.
Principles of Reciprocity and Data Sharing
Industry data-sharing principles used in credit reporting. They can be important evidence about accuracy, reporting and account data, but do not displace statutory data rights.
Housing Ombudsman Complaint Handling Code
A statutory code setting complaint-handling requirements for member landlords, including accessibility, stages, timescales and learning.
SRA Standards and Regulations
Professional standards for solicitors and authorised firms in England and Wales. Conduct rules and Legal Ombudsman service standards address different questions.
Civil Procedure Rules and pre-action conduct
Rules and practice directions governing civil litigation in England and Wales. Pre-action requirements shape letters, disclosure, proportionality and costs.
National Rail Conditions of Travel
Contractual conditions applying to many rail journeys, alongside passenger-rights legislation, operator schemes and retailer terms.
No matching code was found. Try the sector, regulator or issue.
Use in a complaint
Turn a standard into a precise comparison
Quoting a broad principle is weaker than showing the applicable requirement, the evidence of departure and the practical consequence.
- Prove coverage. Show that the firm, product, service or complaint is within the code or rulebook.
- Fix the date. Save the edition, rule version or archived source that applied.
- Quote sparingly. Identify the exact rule or paragraph and link to the complete source.
- Compare conduct. Put the requirement beside what the organisation actually did.
- Connect the outcome. Explain why the departure matters to fairness, loss, procedure or remedy.
Version control
Save enough to prove what you relied on
Online rulebooks and codes change. A link alone may not preserve the wording that applied to an older event.
Keep a source record
Save the source title, issuing body, rule or paragraph number, effective date, access date and stable URL. For a significant dispute, keep a PDF or screenshot showing the wording and version information.