Gold Tier — Ure Dales Trustmark
Earned, not allocated. Whole-system recovery and scheme citizenship.
What this tier is
A holding at Gold is recognised as exemplary — delivering outcomes that exceed the scheme average, contributing to scheme-wide standards development, and carrying the trustmark with integrity into the premium market.
Criteria
- Delivery at the top quartile of scheme outcomes
- Gold-tier audit passed — including whole-system assessment (water, soil, biodiversity, livestock, community, buildings, energy, waste)
- Active contribution to scheme governance (committee participation, standard development, mentoring)
- Public-facing stewardship narrative — this holding is willing to carry the trustmark into market conversations
Audit cycle
Three-year audit cycle. Awarded by the Audit and Standards Committee (EQM-chaired). Tier status is reviewed at each cycle — holdings can progress upward or be redesignated if criteria are no longer met.
What this means for your holding
Gold is the highest tier — delivery among the top quarter of scheme outcomes. Your holding would be demonstrating exemplary ecological recovery and community engagement. Gold status carries the highest surplus distribution multiplier and positions your holding as a flagship for the scheme's external reputation.
Gold carries a ×2.0 surplus distribution multiplier — double the Bronze baseline share.