Trust & Safety at TradeMatch UK
Your safety and peace of mind are our top priority. Every tradesperson on TradeMatch is vetted, background-checked, and insured. Every payment is escrow-protected. Every review is from a real homeowner. Here is exactly how we protect you.
How TradeMatch Protects You
TradeMatch protects homeowners through a 5-step vetting process (ID verification, DBS checks, qualification verification, insurance confirmation, ongoing monitoring), escrow-protected payments that hold your money until work is approved, and a genuine review system linked only to verified jobs.
Our 5-Step Vetting Process
Before any tradesperson can quote on a job, they must pass every step of our vetting process. No shortcuts, no exceptions.
Identity Verification
Every tradesperson must verify their identity with government-issued photo ID. We cross-reference against official databases to confirm they are who they say they are.
We use industry-standard identity verification technology to confirm full name, date of birth and address against electoral roll and credit reference data.
Background & Criminal Record Check
All tradespeople undergo a DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) check before they can join TradeMatch. We screen for criminal records, fraud history and county court judgements.
Basic DBS checks are required as standard. For trades involving vulnerable groups or access to homes with children, enhanced DBS checks are required.
Qualification & Trade Body Verification
We verify professional qualifications directly with issuing bodies. Gas Safe registration, NICEIC approval, FENSA certification and all other trade credentials are confirmed before listing.
Certificates are verified against the issuing body's database — not just a photo of a card. For regulated trades (gas, electrical), we re-verify annually.
Public Liability Insurance
Every tradesperson must hold valid public liability insurance with a minimum cover of £1 million. We verify policy documents directly with insurers and monitor expiry dates.
Insurance must be in the tradesperson's name (not a third party's). We set automated reminders before expiry and suspend profiles if insurance lapses.
Ongoing Monitoring & Review Moderation
Vetting doesn't stop at sign-up. We continuously monitor review scores, complaint patterns and credential expiry. Tradespeople who fall below our standards are suspended.
Our team reviews flagged accounts within 24 hours. Tradespeople with a pattern of complaints are removed from the platform permanently.
How Your Money & Data Are Protected
Escrow-Protected Payments
Your money is held securely in escrow and only released to the tradesperson when you confirm the work is complete to your satisfaction. If there's a dispute, our resolution team steps in.
Genuine Reviews Only
Every review on TradeMatch is linked to a verified job. We don't allow anonymous reviews, purchased reviews or reviews from non-customers. What you read is from real homeowners who hired through TradeMatch.
Dispute Resolution
If something goes wrong, our dedicated resolution team mediates between you and the tradesperson. We hold escrowed funds until the dispute is resolved, protecting your money throughout.
Data Protection
Your personal data is protected under UK GDPR. We never sell your information to third parties. Payment data is processed through PCI DSS compliant payment providers.
Trust in Numbers
How TradeMatch Compares
| Protection | TradeMatch | Others |
|---|---|---|
| DBS Background Checks | ✓ | ✗ |
| Insurance Verification | ✓ | Varies |
| Qualification Verification | ✓ | Varies |
| Escrow-Protected Payments | ✓ | ✗ |
| Verified Reviews Only | ✓ | ✗ |
| Dispute Resolution Team | ✓ | Varies |
| Free for Homeowners | ✓ | ✓ |
Trust & Safety — FAQ
How does TradeMatch vet tradespeople?
Every tradesperson goes through our 5-step vetting process: identity verification, DBS background check, qualification verification with issuing bodies, public liability insurance confirmation, and ongoing monitoring. Only professionals who pass all checks can quote on jobs.
What is escrow-protected payment?
When you hire through TradeMatch, your payment is held securely in escrow — a protected account managed by our payment partner. The tradesperson can see the funds are committed, but the money is only released to them when you confirm the work is complete to your satisfaction.
Are reviews on TradeMatch genuine?
Yes. Every review is linked to a verified, completed job on TradeMatch. We do not allow anonymous reviews, purchased reviews, or reviews from people who did not hire through our platform. Our moderation team checks for suspicious patterns.
What happens if I have a complaint about a tradesperson?
Contact our resolution team immediately. If payment is in escrow, funds are held until the issue is resolved. We investigate all complaints, mediate between parties, and can arrange remedial work or refunds where appropriate. Repeat offenders are permanently removed.
Is my personal data safe with TradeMatch?
Yes. We comply with UK GDPR and never sell your personal data. Payment processing is handled through PCI DSS Level 1 compliant providers. Your data is encrypted in transit and at rest.
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