What “audited” means
An independent reviewer checked a sample of the venue's answers and supporting evidence on the date shown. This is not government approval, a premises licence, a food hygiene rating or a promise about future conduct.
Ask
A verified venue representative asks us to audit the venue’s completed answers.
Agree the review
Before work starts, we confirm the rules, evidence sample, method, reviewer independence, fee and timetable.
Review
An authorised reviewer checks a sample of records. They may speak with relevant staff and can adjust unsupported answers.
Venue reply
The venue sees the draft findings and can correct factual errors before the decision is final.
Publish
If the venue passes, its result is marked Audited. We show the date, method, reviewer, end date and a public summary.
Appeal
A different reviewer handles an appeal about the process or evidence.
Scoring and evidence
The audit uses the same answers as self-certification: Yes, Partly, No and approved Does not apply. Evidence may lead the reviewer to change an unsupported answer. It never adds bonus points.
The venue must still reach the total score, pass every score area and complete all required declarations. Evidence may include dated training records, policies, examples of how incidents were handled, product records and access information. We confirm what is needed and how to send it safely.
Independence and conflicts
Reviewers must tell us about any conflict of interest. They cannot audit work they helped the venue create. Sales staff cannot change the findings. The fee pays for the work. It does not buy certification, a higher score, better wording or a higher rank.
Public record
The public record shows the standard version, audit date, reviewer or review organisation, method, score, end date and a short summary. We do not publish private evidence, names of staff or customers, mediation details or detailed security information.
End date, changes and appeals
An audit lasts for a set time. A major change to the operator, owner, venue identity or way the venue runs may pause or end the status while we review it.
Before a disputed decision becomes final, the venue receives notice, can send evidence and can use the independent appeal route.