Claire Sandbrook, CEO of Shergroup, made a bold decision when she agreed to bring the process of High Court enforcement into the public eye through the TV show ‘Can’t Pay? Take It Away!’ This decision was not made lightly. After years of debate, and in the face of inevitable complaints about the enforcement process, Claire recognized the need to demystify and humanize the work of High Court Enforcement Officers. Her aim was to show the Government, policy officials, judges, and the public at large what High Court enforcement truly involves. This blog offers a behind-the-scenes look at how Claire Sandbrook influenced the show and, by extension, the practices and policies surrounding High Court enforcement.
The Decision to Go Public
High Court enforcement is a field fraught with misconceptions and negative perceptions. As a leading figure in the industry, Claire Sandbrook had long been at the forefront of debates on enforcement practices and the challenges faced by debt recovery agents in the UK. Despite the vital role that High Court Enforcement Officers play in upholding justice, their work often attracted criticism and complaints, largely due to a lack of public understanding about the complexities and legalities involved in debt collections.
Claire’s decision to put High Court enforcement on television was driven by a desire to address these misunderstandings. She saw the potential of TV as a powerful medium to educate and inform. By offering a transparent view of the enforcement process, she hoped to foster a greater understanding of the work carried out by debt recovery agents and to demonstrate the professionalism and empathy required in this line of work. She had been involved in TV projects before such as ITV’s “The Enforcers” and filmed major projects for Shergroup’s own YouTube channel – which back in the day was in its infancy.
Behind the Scenes of ‘Can’t Pay? Take It Away!’
Bringing ‘Can’t Pay? Take It Away!‘ to life required careful planning and consideration. Claire Sandbrook’s role was as a consultant and she allowed every Writ issued in her name to be part of the content for the show which has gone on to be viewed millions of times both in the UK and further afield on Netflix and YouTube.
Her role was to ensure the enforcement agents worked within the newly introduced framework of the Taking Control of Goods Regulations 2014 which were introduced in April 2014. She also had input as a consultant into:
- Ensuring Legal Compliance | A top priority for Claire was ensuring that all enforcement actions depicted on the show adhered to legal standards and regulations. This was crucial not only for the integrity of the show but also for educating viewers about the legal framework that governs enforcement practices. By accurately portraying the execution of writs and the taking control of goods, the show provided a clear and factual representation of High Court enforcement.
- Highlighting the Human Element | Claire was committed to showing the human side of enforcement. She worked closely with Paul Bohill to ensure that the show captured the interactions between debt recovery agents and debtors, emphasizing the importance of empathy and negotiation in the process. This approach helped to counteract the common misconception that enforcement is solely about “pay or we take it away.”
- Resolving Complaints | Inevitably a topic like enforcement of a judgment leads to understandable complaints from those affected – and Claire’s role was to manage the complaints through to satisfactory outcomes for all concerned. Claire allowed complaints at first stage to be handled internally by the show’s team, but more in-depth complaints of which there were 92 during her tenure were handled by herself, and her Complaints Team within Shergroup.
The Impact on Enforcement Practices
By bringing High Court enforcement into the public eye, ‘Can’t Pay? Take It Away!’ had a significant impact on both public perception and industry practices. Claire Sandbrook’s involvement ensured that the show was not just entertainment but also an educational tool that highlighted the complexities and responsibilities of debt recovery agents in the UK.
The show provided viewers with an inside look at how High Court Enforcement Officers operate, from serving writs to negotiating payment arrangements. It demonstrated the strict procedures that must be followed, as outlined in Schedule 12 of the Tribunals Courts and Enforcement Act 2007, and its implementation through the Taking Control of Goods Regulations 2013 and the Taking Control of Goods (Fees) Regulations 2014. Claire’s input into these regulations, as a member of the UK’s Ministry of Justice’s working party, was also a key element of the show, showcasing how these laws ensure fairness and transparency in enforcement.
Influencing Policy and Public Understanding
One of Claire’s goals in bringing High Court enforcement to TV was to influence policymakers and the judiciary. By providing a transparent look at the enforcement process, she aimed to generate informed discussions about the practices and policies surrounding debt collections. The show became a platform for highlighting the need for clear guidelines and the importance of protecting the rights of both creditors and debtors.
The public response to ‘Can’t Pay? Take It Away!‘ showed that there was a significant appetite for understanding the realities of debt recovery. The show sparked conversations about the role of High Court enforcement officers and the challenges they face. It also helped to humanize the profession, showing that enforcement agents are not simply “debt collectors” but professionals who must navigate complex legal and emotional landscapes.
Lessons from ‘Can’t Pay? Take It Away!’
Through ‘Can’t Pay? Take It Away!’, Claire Sandbrook succeeded in changing the narrative around debt recovery agents and High Court enforcement. Key lessons from the show include:
- The Importance of Transparency | By putting the process on television, Claire demonstrated the value of transparency in enforcement. The show provided a real-time look at the procedures and protocols that HCEOs follow, helping to dispel myths and misconceptions.
- Balancing Law and Compassion | The show illustrated how enforcement is not just about executing the law but also about handling situations with sensitivity. It showcased instances where debt recovery agents worked with debtors to find solutions, such as negotiating payment plans, reflecting Claire’s emphasis on professionalism and empathy.
- Educating the Public and Policy Officials | ‘Can’t Pay? Take It Away!’ served as an educational tool for the public, policy officials, and judges, providing a deeper understanding of the enforcement process and the challenges involved.
Summing UP |
Claire Sandbrook’s decision to bring High Court enforcement to TV through ‘Can’t Pay? Take It Away!’ was a ground breaking move that has had a lasting impact on the industry. By offering a behind-the-scenes look at enforcement practices, she not only educated the public but also influenced the way enforcement is perceived and carried out. Her involvement in shaping the show’s narrative ensured that it was not just about “pay or we take it away,” but about upholding the law with integrity, transparency, and compassion. This project has left a legacy that continues to inform and shape the practices of debt recovery agencies and High Court Enforcement Officers in the UK.
This blog provides an inside look at how Claire Sandbrook’s decision to bring High Court enforcement to television through ‘Can’t Pay? Take It Away!’ was a strategic move to educate and influence public perception and policy, showcasing her role in shaping enforcement practices.
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