Questions firms ask about PCN
The Professional Connections Network (PCN) connects one accountant, estate agent, financial adviser, mortgage broker and solicitor in each UK postcode area. They refer clients to each other. These are the questions firms ask before and after they join.
Not answered here? Call the Independent Check team on 0800 246 1094.
What if no one else in my area has joined yet?
Then no referrals will come to you yet, and we'd rather say so now. Referrals start when firms from the other professions in your postcode area join.
What you get straight away is the area itself: while you hold it, no other firm in your profession can join there.
Why only five professions, and one firm in each area?
The five professions see the same client moments: a house move, a death in the family, a business sale, retirement. One firm per profession in each area means every referral has one clear destination, and members don't compete with each other for it.
How does holding a postcode area work?
A postcode area is the letters at the start of a postcode, such as CF or OX. Each firm holds one postcode area. When you join, you hold it for your profession, and no other firm in your profession can join PCN there. To move, choose another open area from your profile. See which areas are open.
My profession is taken in my area. What can I do?
The checker shows the nearest open areas, and you can hold one of those. If the firm in your area leaves, or its account is inactive for 12 months, the area reopens automatically.
How do I send a referral?
In your member account, choose the profession and the client's postcode area, and describe what the client needs without naming them. Tick to confirm the client agreed, and send. See the four steps.
What happens after I send one?
The firm that holds the area gets an email and accepts or declines. If it doesn't answer within 2 working days, PCN reminds it. After 5 working days, or after a decline, the referral comes back to you with no client details shared.
Where do I see referrals sent to me?
In your member account, with an email each time one arrives. Every referral you've sent or received stays there, with its status.
Do I have to send a set number of referrals?
No. There are no targets. You refer a client when it's right for them.
Can I refer a client who lives in another postcode area?
Yes. You choose the client's postcode area when you send a referral, and it goes to the firm that holds that area, wherever you're based.
Who sees my client's details?
Only the firm that accepts the referral. Before that, it sees your summary and the client's postcode area. Nobody at PCN reads referrals.
Does the client need to agree?
Yes. Every referral asks you to confirm the client agreed to be referred, and PCN keeps that record with the referral.
Will this cause a problem with my regulator?
PCN doesn't pay or charge anything per referral. If two members agree a fee between themselves, it's theirs to agree and disclose under their own rules.
Those are COBS 2.3 and 2.3A for financial advisers and MCOB for mortgage brokers. Accountants follow the ICAEW, ICAS or ACCA code, and estate agents follow NTSELAT guidance. Solicitors follow the SRA Code (paragraphs 5.1 to 5.3), and personal injury referral fees are banned.
This is a summary, not legal advice. Each profession page has more detail.
How much does it cost?
Membership is free. PCN charges nothing to join and takes nothing from referrals. PCN takes no fee from referrals.
Can I leave?
You can leave at any time from your account. Your postcode area then reopens for the next firm in your profession.
Who runs PCN?
Independent Check Ltd, a UK company formed in 2012 (company no. 08302295, ICO registration ZA389829). About PCN and Independent Check.
Why does Independent Check run it?
Independent Check makes guides, videos and websites for financial advisers, accountants and solicitors, so it already works with three of the five professions. PCN connects them, with estate agents and mortgage brokers, so they can refer clients to each other.
Does PCN give advice to clients?
No. PCN passes summaries between firms. It doesn't give legal, financial or tax advice, and it doesn't take instructions from clients.
Is your postcode area open?
Membership is free. PCN charges nothing to join and takes nothing from referrals.