In the first of its kind, this on-line interactive training module provides training to the desk of front-line agency staff to help them understand the requirements of TPO’s Codes of Practice and to ensure compliance with the Consumer Protection from Unfair Trading Regulations (CPRs).

The course, which is accredited by The Chartered Trading Standards Institute (CTSI), includes real life case studies and covers lettings and leasehold, as well as property sales. Completion of the course will earn the learner CPD points and provides a good foundation to progress to the higher-level courses offered by professional bodies such as Propertymark and the RICS.

Property Ombudsman, Katrine Sporle, said: “In the many masterclasses and conferences that Deputy Ombudsman Jane Erskine and I carry out up and down the country, we find too many agents who still do not understand that disclosure is everything. This is reflected in the significant number of complaints referred to TPO which concern information that should have been disclosed under the CPRs. Agents can no longer pick and choose what they will tell prospective tenants or buyers and this course will make sure that front line staff understand the TPO Codes and apply the CPRs correctly.

"Picking up on the top issues referred to TPO, we are already working on a second module covering communication, complaints handling and reputation.”

Commenting on the launch of the training module, Mark Hayward, chief executive of NAEA Propertymark added: “Any initiative that encourages transparency in adhering to our mutual codes and current legislation benefits not only the agent, but more importantly, the consumer.”

The new online CPR training module can be purchased through the TPO website for &42 (inclusive of VAT) http://training.tpos.co.uk/