Gaining SSIP (Safety Schemes in Procurement) accreditation is an important step for businesses looking to demonstrate their commitment to health and safety.
Whether you’re a small enterprise or a larger organization, having the right documentation in place is critical.
But what exactly are the documents you need to gain SSIP accreditation like CHAS or SafeContractor?
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Are you looking to secure your CHAS accreditation?
With nearly 10 years of experience, we specialize in handling the entire CHAS accreditation process for businesses just like yours. From start to finish, we take care of everything, so you can focus on what matters most—running your business.
Plus, as your competent Safety Advisor, we'll ensure your business meets all legal requirements and maintains the highest safety standards.
The core documents & criteria that all SSIP member schemes will assess
No matter the size or nature of your business, there are several core documents that every SSIP member scheme will expect you to provide.
All SSIP member schemes will assess businesses based on these documents:
- Health and safety policy
At the heart of your SSIP application is your health and safety policy. This document outlines your business’s commitment to protecting the well-being of your employees, contractors, and anyone else affected by your work activities.
It should clearly define roles, responsibilities, and arrangements for managing health and safety. Also very importantly, it has to highlight the procedures you have in place to manage health and safety risks.
- Risk assessments and method statements
SSIP assessors will want to see that you have thoroughly identified the risks in your workplace and put in place appropriate control measures.
You’ll need to provide comprehensive risk assessments covering your main work activities.
These documents will outline the potential hazards, the control measures you have in place, and the safe working practices you follow.
In addition, method statements detailing how you’ll carry out tasks safely will be required.
- Access to competent advice
SSIP accreditation requires that you have access to competent health and safety advice, either through an in-house qualified professional or a contracted consultant. You’ll need to provide evidence of this, such as qualifications, training records, and the terms of your arrangement.
- Insurances
You’ll need to provide evidence of your insurance coverage, particularly employers’ liability insurance and public liability insurance. You’ll need to provide up-to-date certificates to show that you have the necessary coverage in place.
- Evidence of training
You’ll need to provide evidence that your employees have received appropriate health and safety training.
This could include certificates, training records, or other documentation that prove your team is well-equipped to work safely.
For instance, it could be certificates for courses like IOSH, NEBOSH, or industry-specific qualifications.
- Trade qualifications
If your business involves specialist trade work, you’ll need to show that your employees hold the necessary qualifications and certificates, such as CSCS cards for construction workers or SIA licenses for security personnel.
Health and safety infringements
As part of the SSIP assessment, you’ll need to declare any health and safety infringements or prosecutions your business has faced. The assessor will want to know if your business has had any prosecutions in the past.
This information will be used to evaluate your overall approach to health and safety. Being upfront about this information shows your commitment to learning and improvement.
Industry-specific documentation
Beyond these core requirements, the specific documents you need to gain SSIP accreditation will depend on the nature of your work.
The SSIP member scheme, such as SafeContractor or CHAS, will tailor their assessment to your business, asking for documents relevant to your main work activities.
For example, a security firm might need to provide SIA licenses, and if you’re in the construction industry, you might need to supply additional documentation related to site safety, such as COSHH (Control of Substances Hazardous to Health) assessments or work equipment procedures.
Your assessor will work closely with you to ensure you understand the exact requirements for your business.
SafeContractor Accreditation requirements
One of the most recognized SSIP member schemes is SafeContractor. This scheme goes beyond health and safety, delving into areas like ethical practices and financial stability.
As part of the SafeContractor accreditation process, you may be required to provide additional documentation related to:
- Anti-Bribery and Corruption Policies
- Environmental Management Systems
- Equality and Diversity Policies
- Modern Slavery Statements
- Data Protection Policies
- Financial Information
These documents ensure that your business is not only safe but also ethical and compliant with broader industry standards.
To know what documents you might be required to provide, you can use the SafeContractor’s online tool.
You Need a Health and Safety Advisor and I Can Help
Many businesses struggle with gathering the right evidence, ensuring everything is up-to-date, and presenting it in a way that meets the strict criteria. This is where my hands-on approach comes into play.
The key is to work closely with your SSIP assessor, who will guide you through the process and ensure you understand exactly which documents you need to submit.
As a hands-on safety advisor, I work closely with businesses, guiding them through each step of the process.
My approach is to take the burden off your shoulders— whether it’s conducting risk assessments, reviewing policies, or providing training. I’m there to ensure everything is in place for a successful accreditation.
I will guide you through each step, so you can be sure that nothing is overlooked, so you can get your accreditation for Chas or SafeContractor.
Ready to become an accredited contractor?
Don’t have all the necessary documents in place yet? Don’t worry.
At THS, we specialize in helping businesses like yours achieve SSIP accreditation with ease.
Whether you’re going through SafeContractor, CHAS, or another scheme, we will help you every step of the way. We will help you help you prepare the necessary documentation, ensure your policies and procedures are up to scratch, and provide ongoing support throughout the assessment.
When you work with us, you get:
- A dedicated expert who knows the ins and outs of the process
- Help with putting together all the right documentation
- Someone to liaise with the assessors on your behalf
- Peace of mind knowing that you’re putting your best foot forward
If you’re ready to get started or need more information, contact Sam. You can reach him at +44(0)20 8059 3633 or email [email protected].
WE CAN HELP YOU GET CHAS ACCREDITED!