Fair decisions, and a way to challenge them.
Every decision we make is checked against the published Basic Standard, recorded with who made it and when, and can be appealed to someone who wasn't involved.
Against the Standard
We assess each company only against the five pillars of the Basic Standard and the evidence it gives us. Size, sector and popularity don't come into it.
Recorded and traceable
Each step, from initial review to recognition, non-compliance or revocation, is logged with the name of the reviewer and the date. Nothing is decided off the record.
No conflicts
A reviewer with a personal or financial connection to a company steps aside. Fees are the same whatever the outcome, and recognition can't be bought.
Three kinds of decision.
- Not approved: your application for recognition was turned down.
- Non-compliant: we found that a pillar is no longer met and suspended recognition.
- Revoked: recognition was withdrawn.
The content of the Basic Standard and the published fees aren't decisions about your company, so they can't be appealed. Tell us your views through the contact page instead.
Time limits
- To appeal
- Within 30 days of the decision
- We acknowledge
- Straight away, by email
- We aim to decide
- Within 30 days of receiving it
- Appeals per decision
- One
Five steps.
- Sign in to your account. Where a decision can be appealed, you'll see Appeal this decision and the last day you can do it.
- Explain why you think the decision is wrong. Say which part you disagree with, and attach anything we didn't see or that has changed since: up to three files.
- We confirm we have it. You get a reference by email and can follow the appeal in your account.
- Someone independent reviews it. The person who made the original decision can't decide the appeal. The reviewer looks at the original evidence and anything new you've sent, and may ask you questions.
- We email you the outcome, with reasons. If the appeal is upheld, we change the decision: an application goes back into review, or recognition is restored and the seal turns green. If it's dismissed, the original decision stands. The outcome of an appeal is final.
Not about your own company?
If you've had a problem with a Basic Company, or you've seen the seal used by a company that isn't recognised, raise a complaint. Complaints are investigated separately, and the company gets a chance to respond.