Leading the Way in Safe to Trade

Proud to Be First

Shield Safety is proud to be the first certification body for Safe to Trade, providing trusted certification services to over 1,300 Food Business Operators across the UK, Republic of Ireland, and beyond. Our pioneering role reflects our commitment to raising standards and building trust in the hospitality sector.

Impartiality and Independent Operation

Shield Safety operates under ISO/IEC 17065, the internationally recognised standard for certifying bodies. This ensures our certification activities are never compromised by commercial interests, consultancy, or advice from other divisions.

Our impartiality is overseen by the Certification Body Impartiality Committee, which regularly reviews policies, risk registers, and processes to identify and address any threats to impartiality. The committee’s sole purpose is to ensure fairness and neutrality in every certification decision, maintaining the integrity of Safe to Trade.

Safe to Trade itself is governed by an Independent Governance Board (IGB), bringing together experts from the food industry, government, and local authorities. The IGB provides strategic oversight, monitors performance, and ensures the scheme is managed to the highest standard.

Rigorous Governance for True Independence

Safe to Trade is underpinned by a robust governance structure which ensures Safe to Trade remains independent, transparent, and consumer-focused.

Independent Governance Board (IGB): Oversees the scheme’s development and ensures impartiality.

Technical Standards Committee (TSC): Maintains and updates standards in line with the latest legislation.

Stakeholder Engagement Forum (SEF): Connects regulators, consumer groups, businesses, and certification bodies to promote awareness and understanding.

Certification Body Impartiality Committee (CBIC): Prevents conflicts of interest and ensures fairness in certification decisions.

Why It Matters

Expert Auditors and Commitment to Accreditation

Our team of over 50 expert auditors meets the stringent competency requirements of the Safe to Trade standard, aligned with the England Food Law Code of Practice. Shield Safety has formally applied for UKAS accreditation to ISO/IEC 17065, further enhancing the credibility of Safe to Trade certification and boosting customer recognition.

Consumer-Focused

Safe to Trade is designed with consumers at its heart. Certification demonstrates your commitment to guest safety, giving customers confidence and peace of mind. In today’s hospitality landscape, trust and integrity are vital—businesses that prioritise safety stand out, attract more bookings, and build lasting loyalty.

Authority and Assurance

Safe to Trade audits are unannounced and tailored to business complexity, with annual rechecks and continuous monitoring. Approved businesses are listed on the Safe to Trade directory at safetotrade.com, and consumers can leave feedback, ensuring ongoing transparency and accountability.

Trust, Integrity, and Effort

Shield Safety goes above and beyond to maintain the highest standards. Our rigorous processes, impartial oversight, and ongoing investment in quality ensure every audit is fair, every decision is robust, and every certified business can be proud of their achievement.

Ready to join over 1,300 businesses who trust Shield Safety for their Safe to Trade certification?

Contact us today to learn more about our impartial, independently governed certification process and how it can help your business grow.

020 3740 3744

hello@shieldsafety.co.uk