Experian has run a consumer education programme since 1996. The programme is committed to raising public awareness of the information that credit reference agencies hold, how lenders use it and the rights people have in relation to this information.

Experian work closely with consumer groups, such as Citizens Advice and Which?, and with money advice organisations like the Consumer Credit Counselling Service and National Debtline and we provide free credit reports to people who are receiving free debt counselling.

We also encourage banks and lenders to be as forthcoming as possible about credit scoring and the role credit reference information plays in their decisions, to make sure consumers get accurate and helpful information when they need it.

We are involved in several consumer education and financial capability projects, including those led by the Financial Services Authority, the Office of Fair Trading and the Personal Finance Education Group (PFEG). And we support the Young Consumers of the Year and the Consumer Challenge Quiz competitions, giving the schools that take part information about consumer credit and helping set questions about the process for granting credit.

An example of our recent work with young people is our Creditability financial capability computer game designed to teach young people about money management and credit.

To find out more visit www.experian.co.uk/creditability

To find out more about our consumer advice and support visit www.experian.co.uk/consumer