Certification
The proposed pathway progresses from private improvement towards independently reviewed practice. Certification is not open; decision rules and claims need independent review and pilot testing.
The distinction matters
In the draft model, Bronze, Silver and Gold would recognise progress at increasing assurance depth. Diamond is the proposed certification level, requiring the full audit, athlete corroboration and independent panel decision needed to carry that claim.
What MindsMelt certifies
An organisation’s management systems and practices within an exact published scope—not the mental health of every athlete and never a guarantee that harm cannot occur.
One framework · four levels
All four levels use the same five pillars and twenty-five working indicators. What rises is the maturity expected, the depth of evidence and the independence of verification. Bronze, Silver and Gold recognise verified progress; only Diamond carries the certification claim.
Verified pathway badge
A verified public start: responsibilities and essential foundations are stated.
Verified pathway badge
The systems are operational, owned and communicated—not simply written down.
Verified pathway badge
Provision is systematic, monitored and supported by evidence of implementation.
Full MindsMelt certification
Embedded practice is independently corroborated. Diamond requires every applicable universal and Diamond gate, a draft floor of 65 in every pillar, an overall result of 80, a hybrid audit with a mandatory on-site stage, confidential interviews with 6–15 adult athletes and a two-person panel decision.
36-month award
Checks at 12 and 24 months
Public scoped profile
Every formal award also needs a defined scope, eligibility and integrity screening, all applicable mandatory gates, acceptable evidence, independent review, closed blocking findings, a recorded decision and a live public profile.
Assurance grows with the claim
| Level | Review method | People heard | Validity and follow-up |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bronze | Gate check, desk review and evidence sampling | No interviews required | 24 months · annual declaration |
| Silver | Deeper desk review and evidence tracing | 1–2 staff, including safeguarding | 24 months · evidence spot-check |
| Gold | Remote audit and systematic sampling | Staff and at least 4 adult athletes | 36 months · annual review |
| Diamond | Remote stage plus mandatory on-site stage | Staff, leadership and 6–15 adult athletes | 36 months · checks at 12 and 24 months |
Pilot rule: under-18 athletes are not interviewed until a dedicated minor-interview safeguarding protocol is approved.
Who sells or supports never audits; who audits never decides the award.
Higher assurance includes confidential, consent-based adult-athlete interviews.
Covered sites and programmes—and exclusions—appear on the public profile.
Suspension, expiry or revocation updates the register and QR verification.
