A large number of UK painters and decorators will be members of the Painting and Decorating Association - the PDA. The PDA is an organisation dedicated to preserving quality and reliability in the painting and decorating industry, as well as reassuring the consumer when employing a decorator.
To be a member of the PDA, a decorator must be qualified and insured, have a proven track record of quality, must be fully aware of, and conversant in the latest technology related to their job, and must also be prepared to work to the PDA's code of practice.
A PDA affiliated decorator will usually need to be qualified with an NVQ, or a City and Guilds qualification. Typically, the City and Guilds qualification is seen as a 'minimum' qualification, though it is important to bear in mind that many decorators will have experience rather than a qualification.
PDA decorators are also required to take out insurance. This is for the peace of mind of you, as well as the decorator! Generally, a sole trader will take out a public liability insurance, up to a value of £1,000,000. This will cover possessions and property in the event of any damage caused. Sometimes, the insurance cover will increase to £2,000,000, usually subject to the size or location of a job. In the case of a painting and decorating company with several employees, the employees will each be covered by the employers liability insurance.
PDA members will sometimes be independently assessed on the quality of work, as preserving standards, and working to a high quality is crucial to the reputation of the PDA.
Members of the Painting and Decorating Association must also be conversant in the latest technology affecting their job, and should be prepared to embrace any technology which offers efficiency or quality benefits over previously used technology.
The PDA has a code of practice to which all of its members must work. The code ensures a high quality and consistent standard of work, and also works to reassure consumers.
History of the PDA
The PDA was formed in 2002, with the merger of two associations - the British Decorators Association, and the Painting and Decorating Federation. Both associations had a long history, with the BDA having been formed over a century ago!
The PDA has over 2500 members across the UK. The PDA website (http://www.paintingdecoratingassociation.co.uk) offers a searchable database of members, so finding a member close to you will be simple