Case Study

Essential Knowledge

Ahmed had some knowledge of the firearms licensing system and was trying to help a friend who had been caught in a not-so “voluntary” surrender. Despite his efforts, no one was responding to his enquiries, and he was unsure how to escalate the situation effectively.

We arranged a consultation and quickly identified that Ahmed needed clear, structured guidance. He purchased an Essentials Membership, giving him access to resources designed to support exactly this type of challenge.

Our Intervention

We directed Ahmed to an article that covered the subject in detail, including:

• The expected standards of police behaviour, based on core values and competencies.
• Common issues in firearms licensing complaints, such as inefficiency or failure to follow legal guidance.
• The types of complaints that can be raised, including misconduct, corruption, abuse of power, and general policing standards.
• Recommended steps to approach a complaint, starting with informal resolution attempts before escalating to formal channels.
• Formal complaint methods, including contacting the Licensing Team, Police and Crime Commissioner, MP, or using online resources such as Police.uk and the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC).
• A structured framework for writing an effective complaint, ensuring clarity and professionalism.

The Results

Ahmed later told us: “That one article has saved me hours of searching. On its own it’s well worth the price of membership.”

With this guidance, Ahmed was able to support his friend more confidently, knowing the correct routes to escalate concerns and the standards against which police behaviour should be measured.

Why it matters

When individuals face silence or obstruction structured knowledge becomes essential.

We don’t just provide information—we equip responsible shooters and their supporters with the tools to challenge poor practice, restore fairness, and hold authorities to account.

Case Study: A route back to shooting

Our Client “David” was a long-standing certificate holder who experienced serious trauma in his life and began abusing alcohol as a coping mechanism. His behaviour while “in drink” fell short of the police’s expectation of a certificate holder and he was revoked.

In the five years that followed he re-applied for his certificate twice and was refused on both occasions where police said insufficient time had passed since the original incident. When he asked the police for guidance they advised him to complete further courses to improve his shooting knowledge and skills.

He wrote to his representative organisation and they declined to provide any meaningful support.

We met him, assessed and recommended he engage us on a consultancy basis.

Our Intervention

We agreed to pursue a longer term plan that:

• Engaged the police force and asked for their contribution.
• Disputed the force’s “policy” that an applicant had to wait 2 years before re-submitting.
• Listened to all the circumstances.
• Worked with a counsellor

The Results

Apart from the personal representation, which took place at a police station, all of the actions above were covered by the complete membership.

Within two months, all firearms and shotguns were returned. The client accepted a formal warning for a minor breach of certificate conditions—no prosecution, no lasting damage, and restoration of his shooting rights.

Why it matters?

This case highlights a critical truth:

When legal routes are inaccessible and sector support fails, expert advocacy becomes essential.

We don’t just interpret the rules—we challenge misuse, restore fairness, and stand with responsible shooters when others won’t.

The Forgotten

Our Client “Robert” had applied for the grant of a shotgun certificate 18 months previously. Despite repeated attempts to get an update, all he received were generic replies that offered no clarity on what had happened or how the matter would be resolved.

We arranged a consultation and found him to be a well-prepared and responsible applicant.

We recommended a complete membership and began working on his behalf.

Our Intervention

We agreed to pursue a plan that:

• Engaged the licensing department directly to establish the facts of the case.
• Used our professional network to identify the correct points of contact, ensuring the issue was raised with those able to act.
• Escalated the matter constructively, emphasising fairness and accountability rather than shortcuts.
• Supported Robert throughout, keeping him informed and reassured while the process was ongoing.

The Results

Within weeks, the application was located and re-entered into the system.

The force acknowledged the error and committed to progressing the case properly. Robert avoided further unnecessary delay, and his confidence in the process was restored.

Why it matters?

This case highlights a critical truth:

When applications are lost in the system, persistence and professional advocacy are essential.

We don’t bypass procedures—we ensure they are followed.

By using our network responsibly, we restore fairness, protect applicants from administrative failings, and stand with responsible shooters when others won’t.

Partnership Delivers Protection

Charles, a member of one of our partner organisations, had applied for a grant over a year earlier. When he attempted to check on its progress, he was told the application had never been placed on the system because it was “incomplete.”

The response was blunt: he would need to submit a new application, pay the now doubled fee, provide a new GP proforma (minimum £70), and wait yet another lengthy period.

Fortunately, his membership of our affiliate organisation covered our intervention, and we stepped in immediately.

Our Intervention

We agreed to pursue a plan that:

• Reviewed all associated correspondence and identified that the grounds for rejection were flawed.
• Highlighted that customer service had been non-existent and the information provided by police was simply incorrect.
• Liaised directly with the force to negotiate a fair resolution.
• Secured agreement that the original application would be re‑invigorated, saving both time and effort.
• Ensured the old application fee applied, immediately saving Charles £110.
• Confirmed that police would contact his GP, and if no change was reported, no new proforma would be required.
• Coached Charles on firearms licensing topics to help his process run even smoother.

The Results

Charles avoided unnecessary costs and delays. His application was restored to the system under the original fee, with no need for a new proforma. He gained confidence in navigating the licensing process and was better prepared for future interactions with the authorities.

Why it matters

When flawed decisions and poor customer service block progress, expert advocacy restores fairness.

We don’t just challenge errors—we negotiate practical solutions, protect applicants from unnecessary costs, and stand with responsible shooters when others won’t.

The “policy” that wasn’t

Our Client “Matt” was a former certificate holder who had taken a break from shooting while working in the United States. During that time, his medical care was provided by a local doctor. Now, having been resettled in the UK for over 15 years, he decided to return to his former passion.

But to his dismay – and despite presenting a completely clear medical proforma – his application was rejected. The force told him he would need to wait another five years.

We assessed the case, recommended he purchase a complete membership and got to work.

Our Intervention

We stepped in with the expert advocacy and support that defines us:

• Engaged the police force to seek resolution — only to be told it was “policy” to demand 20 years of medical history.
• Disputed the force’s claim that this was based on College of Policing guidance.
• Investigated the alleged policy and found it was neither written down nor aligned with legislation or NPCC direction.
• Challenged the legality of the rejection, which offered no right of appeal.
• Advocated directly to decision-makers, making clear that their practices did not withstand scrutiny.

The Results

All of this was covered under the client’s Complete Membership.

Within seven weeks – slightly delayed while refreshing the medical proforma – the force accepted the application.

Why it matters?

Application rejections are a growing grey area in firearms licensing.

At first glance, the police response sounded credible. But closer examination and our intervention meant our client was back to shooting five years earlier than he otherwise would have been.

Don’t just listen to us

This is what our client says:

Chris has provided invaluable advice and support in my efforts to obtain a new firearms license after my previous one had lapsed several years ago. He has deep knowledge and understanding of the law and how to navigate the firearm licensing process. I urged anyone who has questions about obtaining a license or needs advice to reach out to Chris.

Restoring Rights After Revocation

Our Client “Sean” is a long-standing certificate holder with an impeccable record in both recreational shooting and agricultural vermin control. Despite his clean history and responsible conduct, he was arrested for two serious offences and had both his Firearm and Shotgun Certificates revoked.

To make matters worse, the major shooting organisation he’d loyally supported for over a decade declined to assist him.

We recommended he purchase a complete membership and got to work.

Our Intervention

We stepped in to provide the expert advocacy he couldn’t find elsewhere:

• Engaged the police force to seek a collaborative resolution.Challenged the legality of the revocation—scrutinising both the content and the authority of the officer who issued it.
• Advised on appeal when no response was forthcoming.
• Disputed the force’s claim that the revocation was voluntary, exposing procedural errors.
• Accompanied the client to an interview under caution, ensuring his shooting interests were properly represented.
• Advocated directly to decision-makers, reinforcing his credibility and the disproportionate nature of the response.

The Results

Apart from the personal representation, which took place at a police station, all of the actions above were covered by the complete membership.

Within two months, all firearms and shotguns were returned. The client accepted a formal warning for a minor breach of certificate conditions—no prosecution, no lasting damage, and restoration of his shooting rights.

Why it matters?

This case highlights a critical truth:

When legal routes are inaccessible and sector support fails, expert advocacy becomes essential.

We don’t just interpret the rules—we challenge misuse, restore fairness, and stand with responsible shooters when others won’t.