How we check consultants
We carry out checks on each consultant before they are listed, and at renewal. This page explains what each check does and does not mean.
Checks do not guarantee outcomes
Our checks confirm that evidence existed at the time of checking. They do not guarantee the quality of future work, Ofsted registration, inspection outcomes, commercial performance or suitability for every provider. Always carry out your own due diligence before appointing a consultant.
CHH charges consultants to cover the application, checking and ongoing operation of the Register. Payment does not influence the outcome of checks or how consultants are presented.
Identity checked
We have checked evidence confirming the identity of the person applying to the register.
Business details checked
We have checked the business name, trading status and contact details provided by the consultant.
Insurance checked
We have seen evidence of professional indemnity insurance that was current at the time of checking. Insurance may since have lapsed or been renewed.
Experience checked
We have reviewed evidence supporting some or all of the experience shown as checked on the profile. This does not confirm every claim made by the consultant.
Qualifications checked
We have seen evidence of the qualifications shown as checked. We do not endorse the qualification itself or its currency for a particular role.
Client references checked
We have contacted at least one provided reference to confirm a genuine professional relationship existed. Reference content is not published.
Commercial interests declared
The consultant has declared relevant commercial relationships, referral arrangements or conflicts of interest. We have recorded the declaration but have not independently verified every relationship.
Complaints declaration completed
The consultant has declared any current or past complaints relevant to their consultancy work of which we should be aware.
Evidence status on profiles
Individual claims on a consultant profile show whether they are declared by the consultant or evidence checked by CHH. A declared claim has not been independently verified. An evidence checked claim has been supported by documentation we have reviewed.
Identity evidence retention
The underlying identity document should normally be deleted within 30 days of completion of the identity check, once there is no active reason to retain it. Keep the record that the identity check was completed. Do not display this publicly as though it were a statutory deadline.
Sole traders
A sole trader does not fail the trading identity check because they do not operate through a limited company. Suitable trading evidence may include:
- Identity
- Business insurance
- Business correspondence
- Trading website
- Redacted client invoice
- Professional business email
- Other credible evidence
We do not require a tax return or UTR simply to establish that somebody trades as a sole trader.