Functions may include safety, food, animal health, fair trading and consumer credit. Consumer Advisors with a DCA give a wide range of Advice and Information to Consumers and business. The Trading Standards Institute is the Examining Body for both Diplomas. The Trading Standards Institute is the body that represents the interests of the Service to national and local government and whose membership is drawn from the ranks of Trading Standards professionals and students. Membership is free to student members.
Members receive a monthly journal containing articles on a wide range of Trading Standards issues.
Local Branches of the Institute allow members in the same region to discuss issues specific to their area. The Institute also runs a series of training courses to help develop members with their professional competence. A Continuing Professional Development scheme is due to be piloted in 2001.