Switching from Shield Safety to Paddl
Shield Safety (formerly Shield Safety Group, also known for their RiskProof platform) markets itself as a comprehensive health and safety partner for hospitality.
Shield Safety (formerly Shield Safety Group, also known for their RiskProof platform) markets itself as a comprehensive health and safety partner for hospitality. But when you look beyond the marketing, a troubling pattern emerges from real user experiences. The mobile app is described by reviewers as "a waste of time." Pricing is hidden behind opaque quotes that often land between £200 and £500 per month with bundled services. And the quality of your compliance experience depends almost entirely on which individual consultant you are assigned. Perhaps most concerning are the reports of difficult cancellation processes and aggressive tactics around audit scheduling. When a compliance provider makes it harder to leave than to stay, it raises questions about whether they are confident the product alone justifies the cost. Food safety compliance should be straightforward, transparent, and entirely within your control. Paddl offers exactly that: a purpose-built mobile app that works in real kitchen environments, transparent pricing at £69 per month, AI-powered compliance that does not depend on any individual consultant's availability, and the freedom to cancel anytime without friction.
Why businesses switch
Mobile App Described as Unusable
Shield Safety's mobile app has been called "a waste of time" by reviewers. Kitchen staff need reliable, fast mobile tools during service — an unusable app means compliance records simply do not get completed.
Opaque Quote-Based Pricing
Shield Safety does not publish pricing, relying on custom quotes that typically range from £200 to £500 or more per month with bundled consultancy services. This makes cost comparison and budgeting nearly impossible.
Consultant Quality Varies Dramatically
Your compliance experience depends entirely on which individual EHP is assigned to your account. Reviews highlight inconsistent quality, with some consultants being excellent and others unresponsive.
Difficult Cancellation Process
Multiple reviews report that Shield Safety is non-responsive to cancellation emails and makes the leaving process unnecessarily difficult, creating frustration for businesses that want to move on.
Aggressive Audit Scheduling Tactics
Trustpilot reviews cite pressure tactics around audit timescales, creating an adversarial rather than supportive relationship between the compliance provider and the business.
Your Compliance Should Not Depend on One Person
The fundamental problem with Shield Safety's model is the consultant dependency. Your compliance experience is only as good as the Environmental Health Practitioner assigned to your account. Reviews consistently highlight that quality varies dramatically between individuals — some are excellent, others are unresponsive or unhelpful. When your food safety management hinges on one person's competence and availability, you have a single point of failure.
Shield Safety's mobile app compounds the problem. In a world where kitchen staff need quick, reliable tools during busy service, reviewers calling the app "a waste of time" is damning. If your team cannot use the mobile app effectively, they will not use it at all — and your compliance records will suffer. A compliance tool that staff avoid is worse than no tool at all, because it creates a false sense of security.
Paddl eliminates both issues simultaneously. AI-powered compliance guidance is available around the clock, not just when your consultant has a free slot. The mobile app was designed specifically for hospitality environments — offline capable, biometric login for shared tablets, GPS check-in, and an interface that kitchen staff can navigate during the rush. Your compliance is consistent regardless of who is working or what time it is.
What changes when you switch
Switching is simple
Audit Current Documentation
Review and export all compliance documentation from your Shield Safety account — HACCP plans, risk assessments, audit reports, and training records.
Set Up Paddl Locations and Team
Create your Paddl account with all business locations and add your team members with appropriate role assignments and location access.
Generate HACCP Plans with AI
Use Paddl's AI to recreate your HACCP plans in minutes rather than building them from scratch. The AI generates comprehensive, business-specific plans following the seven HACCP principles.
Upload Existing Records and Documents
Transfer risk assessments, training certificates, insurance documents, and other compliance records into Paddl. AI extraction processes uploaded documents automatically.
Switch Fully and Cancel Shield Safety
Once your team is comfortable with Paddl, cancel your Shield Safety agreement at renewal. Send cancellation via recorded delivery if email responses are slow.
What you gain with Paddl
AI Assistant Replaces Consultant Dependency
Paddy, Paddl's AI assistant, provides 24/7 regulatory guidance powered by RAG search across your business data and UK food safety legislation. No more waiting for your assigned consultant.
Purpose-Built Mobile App
Offline sync for kitchens with poor signal, biometric lock for shared tablets, GPS staff check-in, and an intuitive interface designed for busy service environments.
Transparent Pricing, No Hidden Costs
A single £69 per month price includes every feature. No bundled consultancy fees, no module upsells, no surprises on your invoice.
Self-Service HACCP, SFBB, and Risk Assessments
Create and maintain all compliance documentation independently using AI-powered tools. No consultant appointment needed for updates or new assessments.
The numbers that matter
Common questions
Is AI compliance guidance as reliable as a human consultant?
For routine food safety questions and day-to-day compliance management, Paddl's AI provides accurate, up-to-date guidance based on current UK regulations. It is available instantly and consistently, unlike consultants whose quality varies. For complex or unusual regulatory situations, professional advice remains valuable.
How do I cancel Shield Safety if they are unresponsive?
We recommend sending cancellation notice via recorded delivery post to their registered office address, in addition to email. Review your contract for specific cancellation terms and notice periods. Set up Paddl in parallel so your compliance is uninterrupted.
Does Paddl offer on-site audits like Shield Safety?
Paddl is a software platform, not a consultancy. However, the AI-powered compliance dashboard, EHO preparation tools, and structured documentation mean many businesses find they no longer need regular external audits for routine compliance management.
What if my team struggled with Shield Safety's app?
Staff who found Shield Safety's app frustrating typically adapt to Paddl quickly. The interface is designed for hospitality workers, not administrators, and most staff are comfortable within their first shift.
Switch to Paddl today
Start your free 14-day trial and see the difference purpose-built compliance software makes. No credit card required.
Full access to all features · Dedicated onboarding · Cancel anytime