Why become a TRUST trader?
Access to the market
TRUST certification has become the industry standard when choosing trading partners. It is a basic requirement for a large proportion of the UK charity sector.
Increase your reach
The TRUST website signposts which certified traders operate in each geographical area, putting your name in front of an engaged audience.
Evidence of legal compliance and good practice
The audit gives assurance around policies, processes and management. It ticks a lot of the boxes that are a standard part of responsible procurement.
Advice on improvement
TRUST is about continuous improvement. The audit process will offer guidance on improvement actions required to enable your organisation to strive to meet industry best practices.
The audit process
The overall cost of TRUST Certification is £2800 for members of the Charity Retail Association (including corporate members) or £3100 for non-members.
It is valid for two years and covers one operational site. Additional sites can be audited at a reduced rate and charges may be slightly higher for Northern Ireland or islands. It is only available for UK sites at present but if you are interested from another country, prices are available on a case by case basis.
There is an additional one-off registration fee of £300 for new or lapsed certifications.
All prices exclusive of VAT
The TRUST audit is undertaken by an independent auditor. The auditor will arrange the date in advance for site visits, which normally take one full day per site.
Audit requirements
Health & Safety:
- Risk assessments and Safe Working Practices in place and communicated to staff
- Fire safety measures include drills, training and equipment
- Equipment is properly maintained and only for use by suitably trained staff
- Managers or Supervisors on site hold IOSH Managing Safely qualification at minimum
Professional:
- Company has policies in place which are fit for purpose and regularly reviewed
- Employer and Public Liability Insurance in place at a suitable level of cover
- Company has been credit checked and deemed to be financially sound at time of audit
Working Conditions:
- Legal Right to work confirmed and recorded for all staff
- Staff are paid at least minimum wage and provided with a contract
Transport:
- Drivers have appropriate licences and training
- Vehicles properly inspected and maintained
- Operators Licence in place if applicable
Environment:
- Site has appropriate waste exemption or environmental permit
- Company has Upper Tier Waste Carrier Licence (Lower Tier if a charity)
- End destination data and documentation is supplied and checked
- Graders: Goods are sorted into saleable products; unsaleable products and waste are removed on site
- Waste is properly managed on site and transferred in line with Duty of Care requirements