What is the difference between SSIP and CHAS?
SSIP (safety schemes in procurement) is an umbrella scheme that was set up to streamline prequalification and encourage straightforward mutual recognition between its Member Schemes. Some of the more well known member schemes that come under SSIP are SMAS, safe contractor, and CHAS. CHAS is a co-founder of Safety Schemes in Procurement (SSIP) and the Common Assessment Standard.
6 Benefits of CHAS accreditation
- Helps contractors demonstrate their health and safety compliance to clients.
- Meet construction and related industries pre-qual requirements all in one go rather than completing numerous PQQs.
- Enables contractors to show their commitment to workplace safety – helps with tendering for work. Might also help to draw in higher quality contracts.
- Trusted by UK’s biggest names across multiple industries including construction, education, facilities management, and housing and development.
- Helps contractors and clients ensure supply chain compliance.
- Connects prequalified contractors and clients with specific compliance requirements.
How can you get a CHAS certificate?
In order to be CHAS accredited you must pay for the required level of assessment. (as seen below) if you are doing this for the first time. If you are a member of another SSIP member, you can become accredited through the “deem to satisfy” route.
Different levels of assessment
Standard
Entry-level membership option includes a health and safety assessment, a self-certified insurance module and SSIP accreditation.
Advanced
CHAS Advanced, comes with accreditation services to help you meet SSIP and PAS 91 requirements. Completion of a single prequalification questionnaire (PQQ) system with CHAS demonstrates compliance across nine risk management areas – from health and safety to equality and diversity.
Elite
On top of SSIP and PAS 91, CHAS Elite membership includes the Common Assessment Standard – the UK construction industry’s pre-eminent prequalification system. Developed by Build UK, CECA and accreditation bodies such as CHAS, the Common Assessment Standard streamlines and standardises accreditation across 13 key supply chain risk management areas.
Some consultants will push you to have higher levels when they don’t need them. Compass will always make sure you have the right level of assessment for your business and will not push you to get more than you need.
What you will need to complete a CHAS assessment
- A source of competent advice (eg Compass)
- Policies/ procedures (will differ depending on level of assessment)
- RAMS/SSOW
- CoSHH Arrangements
- Work equipment/ PUWER/LOLER
- Any accident/ enforcement statistics
- Health Surveillance – occupational health checks, toolkbox talks etc
- Training certificates/ matrix
- Monitoring (both your own company and any subcontractors/ suppliers)
What does ‘Deem to Satisfy’ mean?
The term ‘Deem to Satisfy’ is used by SSIP to recognise accreditation with another SSIP member. If you are registered compliant with one SSIP member, then you can use this accreditation to gain membership with other SSIP member schemes without having to undergo duplicate applications. For example, if you already have a SMAS certificate, it can save a lot of time if you then want to achieve CHAS accreditation.
Can we achieve CHAS accreditation without using a consultant?
Yes, you can by contacting CHAS directly and completing the questionnaires if you have an in house source of competent health and safety advice.
The benefit of using a consultant, such as Compass, is that we are familiar with the core criteria and will be able to advise you on what evidence to supply. We can act as your competent source of advice, and will also assist in the completion of the questionnaire and uploading of evidence provided.
If SSIP Accreditation is something you or your company are interested in achieving, please contact us as we can provide you with the assistance to gain the accreditation quickly and smoothly.
