Verification Terms

1. Who issues verification records

Approved Tradesman is a trading name of Michael Wilde. Verification records, shields and certificates are issued by Approved Tradesman under these terms.

2. What we check

We check specific, defined items — for example that a business exists as described, that a named person stands behind it, that contact details reach the business, and where supplied, that insurance, qualifications or trade-body registrations are genuine and current.

We check documents and information supplied by the business, and where possible confirm them against the issuing body or a trusted public source. We record what was checked, by what means, and when.

3. What 'live status' means

A live status means the record's initial required checks have been confirmed and the record is published and being monitored. It describes the state of the record, not the quality of the work.

It does not mean we have inspected any job, assessed workmanship, endorsed or recommended the business, or accepted responsibility for what the business does.

4. Checked items, dates and expiry

Each checked item shows when it was confirmed and, where the underlying document has an expiry, when it is due for renewal. A confirmation describes the position at that date on the information available then.

Information can change between checks. A record may not reflect a change that has not yet been reported to us or picked up by monitoring.

5. Lapsed and withdrawn items

When an item passes its renewal date or can no longer be confirmed, it is marked as lapsed and no longer presented as current. Where a required item lapses, the record's live status may be paused until it is confirmed again.

A lapsed item is a factual status, not an accusation. It means we cannot currently confirm the item.

6. Progressive records

Records are built up over time. A business may start with the initial required checks and add further items — for example additional qualifications or registrations — whenever it is ready. The live record updates and becomes more complete.

An item that is not shown simply has not been checked. It is not a failure and does not imply anything negative about the business.

7. What verification does not guarantee

A Verification Record does not guarantee workmanship, quality, conduct, availability, prices, timescales, suitability for your job, or the outcome of any job. It is information to help you decide, not a substitute for your own judgement.

Where an insurance item is shown, it means that item was checked at the stated time. Cover, exclusions, limits, validity at the time of a claim and any payout remain subject to the policy terms and the insurer's decision. We are not an insurer, broker or warranty provider, and we do not confirm that any particular job is covered.

Any contract for work is directly between you and the trade business. We are not a party to it.

8. Membership never changes an outcome

Membership funds the cost of checking and monitoring. It does not buy approval, extra ticks, a favourable outcome, a faster decision, or a higher position in search results.

The Approved shield and certificate become available only once the initial required checks have been confirmed — never by paying or by clicking activate.

9. Using the shield, certificate and QR code

While a record is live, the business may display the shield, certificate and QR code we issue for that record, unchanged, so that anyone can scan or click through to the record itself.

They must not be altered, recreated, used by another business, used after a record has lapsed, been suspended or removed, or presented in a way that suggests we endorse the business, guarantee its work or provide insurance.

The QR code and record link are the source of truth. If a printed or displayed shield disagrees with the live record, the live record applies.

10. Reporting a record that looks wrong

If you believe a record is inaccurate or out of date, tell us. We may investigate, ask the business for further information, correct or update the record, mark items as lapsed, or suspend or remove the record.

We handle record accuracy. We do not mediate contractual disputes, judge workmanship complaints, or arrange refunds — for those, contact the trade business directly.

11. Not endorsements or reviews

We are not a review platform or rating service. Records present checked facts, not opinions, star ratings or recommendations, and we do not rank businesses by how much they pay.

12. Changes to how we verify

Our checks may change as standards, sources and requirements develop. Where a change affects what a record shows, we will explain it on the verification pages and, where it affects members, give reasonable notice.