DGCOS Reviews 

This organisation pretends to give protection to the consumer but the reality is they represent the industry first and foremost.

When I had a problem with one of their 'members' I followed their guidance and protocols to the letter, using keywords from their website, but within a short while of lodging a complaint against the firm in question they had passed judgement in favour of them. It would appear that whilst I was following the proper procedures the firm in question did not and already had them pass judgement before I made contact with the DGCOS.

It took a legal representative (with evidence I presented the DGCOS) less than a day to get the firm in question to admit liability, which is what I was led to believe the DGCOS would do.

Don't waste your time employing firms that use the DGCOS as a selling point, for us they appeared as dishonest and corrupt as the firm's they represent.

After having the DGCOS involved with a window install which we had problems with. At first, I thought great things may improve this couldn't be further from the truth. After seven months of phone calls and emails, they were unable to resolve the problems we have with one of their Members. I was told we can't give you any advice nor could they enforce anything they were dealing with. If only I was told this in the first place then I wouldn't have wasted so much time and energy. I really don't see the need for such a service other than to lure customers to think they have some kind of security. I never wanted nor needed someone to speak on my behalf I'm well capable to do that myself. In all, if you want someone to talk too then great. As when Id had enough of being messed around by one of their members they washed their hands of the case. So a big thank you to the staff for being so polite and understanding. Sorry, I can't give you more stars because I really wanted to but my issue with one of your members is still ongoing nearly 14 months on and still not resolved.
So a quick update I had a director of the DGCOS involved who wanted to have a virtual meeting with one of their members on the 22nd of February and when I didn't hear back I decided to give them a call only to find out he is no longer a Director and has moved on. So to say I'm disappointed is an understatement as no one has got back to me.

As our first attempt at home improvement, a conservatory (July 18) we chose a DGCOS member as it seemed to offer unrivalled protection, practically a failsafe. Two and a half years on and I am the fight of my life. There are simply no words to describe the subcontractor used by the member to lay our footings (I must add that 2 years later even it's legality is being challenged). I did attempt to engage with DGCOS on further issues but their performance lacked any conviction and did not resolve my issue at the time. Move forward to spring 19 and a large crack appears, this causes problems which have not been solved and continue to affect it's primary functions. Based on professional building advice I requested that my footings be underpinned, at first this was rejected by the member, I then went to Which (because of my initial experience with DCGOS) and pursued a dispute resolution ombudsman. In short the member then agreed to undertake works based on the outcome. DRO confirmed works were needed but actually ruled in favour by way of full refund. At this point (Apr 20) the member had entered administration and ceased trading so no opportunity to enforce ruling. Surely no problem as I have been issued this amazing insurance backed guarantee. As I understood this assumes responsibility of the ceased members ability to resolve. Unfortunately not, it is not turning out as expected and in no way has been an easy process for me. I have contacted DGCOS and made them aware but there was no appetite to get involved or to review who supplies their insurance backed guarantee for future customers, the word sorry was mentioned so of course this completely fixes everything. Two and a half years in, what protection did I really receive, did their endorsement or promise of insurance simply give dishonest members the tools to take advantage of consumers, it certainly had me duped. In a time of increased focus on mental health, mine has suffered because of this, stress, anxiety, sleepless nights. future customers beware. 14/01/20 I have complained to DGCOS who as per the reply have composed a brief response not addressing the actions of their vetted member. To play a large crack down and a product ruled not fit for purpose by a dispute resolution ombudsman as 'some outstanding issues' shows everything you need to know. The financial ombudsman can only rule on a specific complaint (wording is extremely important as I am learning) and future complaints may follow, it is not the same as the DRO who send their own inspoector and reveiw the situation as a whole. The insurance have easily discreditted the DRO which shocks me. The fact that an insurance product purchased by DGCOS who rely on an ombudsman, can simply be brushed aside, contadicts the whole process and should worry future customers. My reality is one of awkward well constructed responses by organisations that really do not have my best interests at heart. An IBG for me is simply now a deterant and the DGCOS name / logo can not guarantee the quality of who you are letting into your home. My close neighbour at the same time, built an extension (20m apart from each other), used an architect who advised on all the permissions needed and ensured it was done properly through planning and building regs.Their footing are deeper and thicker than mine unsurprisingly They are enjoying their investment, I am simply regretting mine as the legality has been questioned and may equate to crippling expense should I pursue which the IBG will not suport. You decide who you want to be. DGCOS you are simply a disappointment.

After dealing direct with the installation company and then 3 bouts of mediation using DGCOS as well as the global pandemic, we finally got a resolution in the form of a refund.
From install to refund it was 16 months, 11 involving DGCOS but we wouldn't have "won" without their help.
Throughout Tracey handled our case and put up with my own impatience brilliantly, offering advise as to the process and ways forward.

they partner with non qualified inspectors and they honestly do 0 testing on the products to identify the any issues

We were a founder member of the DGCOS but no longer wish to have anything to do with this organisation. After the DGCOS’s own “consumer backup” insurance company went into liquidation (which caused chaos for both its own members and consumers) we found the DGCOS service to both us as a business and also to the consumer went from bad to worse. After complaining to them about the way they managed things the DGCOS Management were extremely rude and unhelpful. Following our complaint to them we received a letter expelling us from their organisation. Ironic really, considering they are a dispute resolution service. Clearly they don’t like or accept complaints about their staff or service. Following this, despite several requests for a response from Richard Christie the DGCOS MD we have never had the courtesy of a resonable explanation. Funny enough, despite hearing from 3 of the DGCOS staff who confirm we are actually one of their best company’s...(luckily for us we record all telephone calls so we have this on record). We have a very long standing history which including serving several thousands of customers and we have always acted honestly and fairly (unlike the DGCOS it seems). Their mediation service does not work and the Omudsmen service that follows needs continual chasing to get any type of answer for a business or the consumer. This is a awful organisation and I strongly recommend any business looking into protecting their clients use another service such as the GGF / GGFi and I recommend consumers don’t rely on the DGCOS service.

Very poor experience with DGCOS. Constant problems with a very big install by one of their members were ignored and obfuscated. I received no help from this organisation whatsoever. In future I will avoid any window company that is a member.

What a great company, really helped me when the company I used for my conservatory went bust. Lovely people who sorted everything out for me, couldn't be happier. Thanks DGCOS.