How we verify listings

Every listing is checked before it goes live, and the verified badge is shown once we have confirmed four things: who runs the business, that the premises exist and the photographs show them, that the centre holds the licences and insurance its activities require, and that its practitioners hold the qualifications it claims.

What we ask for

• Business identity: the Companies House number for a limited company, or photo ID and proof of trading for a sole trader or partnership, plus the name of the person responsible for the listing.
• Premises: a business rates bill, lease or utility bill for the address, and photographs we can match against the listing.
• Licences: where the council requires one, the special treatment licence covering massage and other treatments (required in most London boroughs and by some councils elsewhere); for retreats with accommodation, confirmation that the premises meet fire safety requirements.
• Water and heat facilities: for centres with pools, hot tubs, hydrotherapy, saunas or steam rooms, confirmation of a current Legionella risk assessment and water-treatment regime.
• Insurance: a current public liability insurance schedule, and treatment or professional indemnity cover where treatments are offered.
• Practitioner qualifications, where applicable: certificates or registrations for the treatments and classes listed — for example ITEC or VTCT diplomas, CNHC registration for complementary therapists, British Acupuncture Council membership, Yoga Alliance or BWY for yoga teachers.
• For all: a working phone number that we call before the listing goes live.

What we do with it

Documents are stored encrypted, with access limited to the team doing the check. They are never shown on the site, never shared with visitors or other advertisers, and deleted when the listing closes. We keep a note of what was checked and on what date, which is the date shown on the listing.

What the badge means — and what it does not

The badge means we confirmed the business, the premises, the licences and insurance relevant to it, and the qualifications it declares, on the date shown. It is not an inspection of the facilities, not a review of the treatments, not a recommendation, and not a guarantee about your visit. It tells you the listing is who it says it is and holds what it claims.

Re-checks and removal

We repeat verification every twelve months, when insurance or a licence renews, and whenever a listing changes its main photographs, its address or its business name. We remove any listing that misrepresents its licences, accreditations or qualifications, uses photographs that are not of its own premises, or breaches thecontent and photo guidelines, and we report anything suggesting exploitation to the relevant authorities.

Telling us about a problem

If you believe a listing does not match the business behind it, claims licences, accreditations or qualifications it does not hold, or has behaved unprofessionally, tell us through report a listing. Reports can be anonymous and we review every one within 24 hours.