Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is the Only The Best award?

It’s an award given by Wealden District Council to businesses that have excellent standards of food safety and customer care. Any food business in Wealden – from a manufacturer to a mobile café, a village shop – can apply and get the award if they meet the stringent criteria and conditions.

We believe this makes our award unique as most awards apply only to caterers, such as restaurants, hotels, and pubs.

2. Why give businesses an award for complying with the law?

Only The Best demands standards well above the minimum requirements in legislation. In addition we expect high standards of customer care from our award holders to ensure consumers are treated well when they visit these businesses.

We believe food businesses will want to join the award scheme. This means that standards across the district, and throughout all types of shop, restaurant, and manufacturing premises will increase, giving consumers better and safer food.

3. How long does the award last?

As long as the business complies with the stringent criteria and conditions of the Only The Best Award. By law, Environmental Health Officers have to regularly inspect all food businesses according to the level of risk they pose. Our officers give food businesses a rating in accordance with principles laid down by the Food Standards Agency. This rating determines how frequently we inspect. On each routine inspection our officers will reassess award holders to ensure they are still meeting the standards. If not their award will be withdrawn.

Similarly, we can revoke an award if a serious complaint is substantiated. Hopefully, the high standards required should make complaints less likely.

4. What if I have a complaint about an award holder?

You should first approach the manager or owner of the business to make your complaint. The customer care criteria of the Only The Best award require businesses to record consumer complaints and deal with them promptly.

If you are unable to complain to the manager or owner you can complain to the Food & Health and Safety Team at Wealden District Council. An Environmental Health Officer will then investigate your complaint and report back to you.

We will take appropriate and proportionate action to resolve complaints. In the case of minor breaches we will normally give the business a chance to remedy the problems. In the case of serious breaches we can withdraw or revoke the Only The Best award, depriving the business of all its benefits.

5.How do I know if a business has the Only The Best Award

Award holders are issued with distinctive certificates and window stickers they can display on the premises. They can also use the logo on their letterheads and in advertising.

We hope the stickers and logo will become familiar sights in the food businesses in Wealden. While it is up to the proprietor of the business to maintain the day-to-day standards, we hope the Only The Best symbol will offer consumers a guarantee of safe, wholesome food and excellent service.

6. How do I apply for the Only The Best Award?

You need to check you meet the award criteria and conditions before completing an application form. We’ve included samples of the various records we expect a business to keep. You can also buy our CD ROM, which contains training videos, and a wealth of information to help businesses achieve the standards of excellence we’re promoting.

An Environmental Health Officer will then visit and assess the business to see if it meets the Only The Best criteria and conditions. We will give a decision within 28 days of receiving the application form.

7. What if my business is refused?

We will always give you details of the areas you need to improve to gain the Only The Best award. You cannot reapply for at least three months after the original refusal. You will also have to show that all systems are in place and working for at least two months before you can apply again.

If you feel you were unfairly refused you can appeal in writing against the decision. An Appeal Panel, which is independent of the Food & Health and Safety Team, will then consider your case. The Appeal Panel decision will be final.

8. Can I take the award with me if I move premises?

The award is given to a specific business and premises, so it cannot be transferred. However, if your new premises meet the high standards required by Only The Best then you should have no problem applying and getting the award for your new business.

You must also give us written notice that you intend to move premises so that we can withdraw the award when you leave.

9. How much will it cost?

We make no charge for applying for the award, or for promoting your business on this web site, or in any advertising we use. We do have space on the web site for you to advertise your business and any events, such as wedding functions or music evenings. We make a small charge for this advertising, which helps to offset the costs of running the Only The Best award scheme and web site.

10. Can I buy a business that already has the award?

Of course you can, but the award is not transferable to new proprietors. If you comply with the award criteria and conditions you can then apply for the award. But remember, you will need to demonstrate that all systems and documentation are live and working for at least two months before you can receive the award.

11. Does the Only The Best award apply to all my premises?

The award is specific to one premise only. If you have several shops or restaurants you will need to make separate applications for each one. We designed the scheme this way to make sure no one can claim all their premises meet the standards when they may not.

12. Why should I bother applying for the award?

We believe having the award will generate more custom for a business. In these times of horror stories and food scares consumers become wary of where they shop and eat. Our award identifies your business as one of the best in Wealden. The stickers and certificates reassure consumers and help them make informed choices.

We will promote the award scheme as much as we can to ensure consumers are aware of the excellent businesses we have in the area. We invite the media to regular ceremonies where we issue awards to those businesses who have met the standards. We also promote the scheme through this and other Council web sites, and through our publications and service plans to ensure words spreads far and wide across the area.

In time we hope other organisations and web sites will promote our award as an example of how to improve food safety standards and recognise those businesses that go well beyond the legal requirements to become Only The Best.