RHS public liability insurance

[john9159]

On 20 September 2011 I applied for membership to RHS for my allotment society. I was aware that far cheaper options were available but the application to RHS was not my choice.

Joining RHS was predominantly to acquire public liability insurance and involved paying £44 for affiliation to RHS and a further £90 for PLI.

No communications were received from RHS although they did claim an information pack was sent by post when I 'phoned on 16 Oct..

On 24 Oct I received a letter with a form with what appeared to be a further request of £69.20, I have no idea what this was for as money had already been sent.

I have sent several e-mails in which I have insisted on a refund but have received no reply; it appears all e-mail, post and 'phone calls go to a single person.

I get the impression to scheme is being run by some little old biddy in a quiet office somewhere in the depths of the RHS building (or maybe even from home) as in the Wonga ad on TV where the characters are supping tea and chatting all day.

I need to know which body outside of the RHS I can make a complaint to, someone with some serious clout as I have parted with the societies money and have no insurance to show for this.

[binley100]

Why the RHS ? ours is through the NSALG specifically for allotment societies .

[john9159]

Too late, as I said it was not my choice, I would have gone with CWAA but here we are, any advice?

[bearded bloke]

Citizens Advice Bureau ?

[binley100]

would this be of any help?
How to use an ombudsman in England

Out of interest what is CWAA ?

[perkin]

I would further pursue getting a response from the RHS before going to an Ombudsman. They're intended to be a last resort if you're unhappy with the way a complaint has been dealt with (and clearly yours hasn't actually been dealt with yet).

There's a complaints form on the RHS website here

Failing that, I'd put your complaint in writing (letter, rather than email) and address it directly to Dan Wolfe who is the the Director of Members, Media and Art. Mark the envelope Private and Confidential - then there's less of a chance it will be opened by admin staff before it reaches him.

[julesapple]

I would further pursue getting a response from the RHS before going to an Ombudsman. They're intended to be a last resort if you're unhappy with the way a complaint has been dealt with (and clearly yours hasn't actually been dealt with yet).

There's a complaints form on the RHS website here

Failing that, I'd put your complaint in writing (letter, rather than email) and address it directly to Dan Wolfe who is the the Director of Members, Media and Art. Mark the envelope Private and Confidential - then there's less of a chance it will be opened by admin staff before it reaches him.

You might also send it Recorded Delivery so that you know it has been received.

Jules

[john9159]

Thanks Perkin! I needed a name of someone other than the one person who handles e-mails and 'phone calls and probably my complaint too but did nothing.
I shall write to dan Wolfe asap (and send recorded).
My thanks to all other posters.