Hosted by: Kelvin Wood, Certification Body Manager for Safe to Trade at Shield Safety Group
Joined by: Claire Lycett, Senior Environmental Health Practitioner at Milton Keynes Council and Stuart Wiggins, Operations Director at Shield Safety
Overview
This webinar discusses the role of Primary Authority partnerships in the Safe to Trade scheme, how assured advice is developed, and how robust auditing and governance processes support food businesses and regulators alike. It also addressed how Safe to Trade complements the Food Hygiene Rating Scheme and supports informed consumer choices.
Assured, Audited, Approved: Safe to Trade in Action
Focused on how Safe to Trade, backed by Primary Authority assures advice and rigorous auditing, helping food businesses demonstrate compliance, improve standards, and build trust with regulators and consumers.
Key Insights from the Webinar
Viewers will gain valuable knowledge on:
- Primary Authority Partnership: Learn about how Milton Keynes Council provides assured advice on the Safe to Trade standard, ensuring it aligns with food safety and food standards legislation across the UK.
- A Comprehensive Audit Framework: Hear how the Safe to Trade audit is split into legal requirements and best practice, enabling businesses to meet all legal criteria to be certified.
- Evidence Verification: Understand how non-conformances must be closed with verifiable evidence (e.g., photos, documentation). Only then can a business be approved or remain on the register.
- Data-Driven Insights: Common non-conformances include cleanliness, date coding, and pest control. These insights help businesses and regulators target improvements.
- Auditor Competency: All auditors are qualified Environmental Health Practitioners or meet FSA/FSS competency standards. They undergo training, shadowing, and ongoing QA.
- Governance & Downgrade Protocols: Businesses must maintain a minimum FHRS score and how downgrades trigger investigations and temporary removal from the register until resolved
Expert Perspective
Claire Lycett emphasises the scheme’s credibility, noting the extensive mapping of the audit to legal standards and the rigorous oversight by the Technical Standards Committee.
Stuart Wiggins highlights how Safe to Trade supports regulators by identifying high-risk areas and enabling smarter resource allocation
Who Should Watch
This webinar is essential for:
- Environmental Health Officers: Learn how Safe to Trade supports inspection planning and regulatory consistency.
- Food Business Operators: Understand how certification demonstrates compliance and builds consumer trust.
- Trading Standards Professionals: See how food standards are integrated into a unified audit.
- Hospitality Managers: Discover how to prepare for and benefit from Safe to Trade audits.
- Consumers: Gain insight into how certified businesses go beyond basic hygiene ratings.
Watch the Full Webinar
It’s a must-see for anyone involved in hospitality operations or food safety governance. To explore how Safe to Trade enhances food safety, supports regulators, and empowers businesses.
