A voluntary, independent regulator for private property search firms has been set up and a code of practice launched to ensure standards and consumer protection. The Property Codes Compliance Board (PCCB) has been established to monitor compliance with the new code of practice, maintain a register of all firms subscribing to the code, and discipline registered firms which fail to meet required standards. The Council of Property Search Organisations - a trade organisation for the property search industry - has sponsored the code. The PCCB is chaired by Sue Scott, a solicitor and former legal and policy director at the Mortgage Code Compliance Board.