How we check websites
Every listing in SimpleSearch carries a “SimpleSearch Checked” badge. This page explains what that means — and, just as importantly, what it does not mean.
What a SimpleSearch Check involves
Before a listing is published, we carry out reasonable checks on the information we hold about it. Depending on the listing, those checks may include:
- Checking the website address resolves and loads.
- Checking the organisation or business identity where that is reasonably possible.
- Considering whether the website appears to represent the organisation listed.
- Looking for basic contact information on the site.
- Checking whether the site is available over HTTPS.
- Looking for relevant regulatory or registration information where that is appropriate to the sector.
Where we hold a date for the most recent check, we show it on the listing as “Checked” followed by that date.
Important: a check is not a guarantee
A SimpleSearch Check is not a guarantee, endorsement or certification that a website, organisation or business is safe, reliable or suitable for a particular user. Websites and businesses can change after they are checked. Users should carry out their own checks before purchasing, sharing personal information or making important financial, medical or legal decisions.
SimpleSearch Picks
Some listings are labelled a “SimpleSearch Pick”. That is an editorial selection made by us and cannot be bought. We reserve the words “Sponsored” and “Advertisement” for paid placements, which would always be labelled as such.
Use of AI tools
SimpleSearch uses AI tools, including ChatGPT, to assist with research, administration and content preparation. Final decisions about which websites appear in the directory are made by SimpleSearch.
Tell us about a listing
If something looks wrong or out of date, let us know through our contact page or the suggest-an-edit option on a listing and we will re-check it.