In business, having the right credentials can set you apart. One of those credentials is the CHAS accreditation. But what is CHAS accreditation, and why does it matter?
CHAS, or the Contractors Health and Safety Assessment Scheme, is a trusted accreditation scheme in the construction industry. It verifies that a company’s health and safety processes meet excellent standards, assuring clients and stakeholders.
It is a big deal because it means businesses are putting safety first for their employees and anyone else affected by their activities.
Plus, being CHAS-accredited makes businesses stand out from the competition by showing they meet strict safety standards.
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Purpose and Objectives of CHAS Accreditation
Making sure your business follows health and safety rules is super important these days. It’s not just about being safe, but it also gives you an edge over competitors.
Customers and clients really prefer working with businesses that take safety seriously. Some businesses even require contractors to have CHAS accreditation before they’ll let them bid for work.
Getting CHAS accreditation involves applying to prove that your business is compliant with health and safety rules in every aspect. Once accredited, you become part of an online community of trusted contractors. This makes it easier for potential clients to see that you’re safe, reliable, and worth hiring.
Established in 1997, CHAS is one of the oldest and most respected accreditation schemes out there. It’s trusted by over 70,000 contractors and is seen as a gold standard in health and safety requirements.
As a founding member of the Safety Schemes in Procurement (SSIP) and the Common Assessment Standard, CHAS plays a vital role in promoting health and safety best practices.
SSIP serves as an umbrella body for various assessment schemes, including CHAS. It aims to reduce health and safety assessment costs and duplication by ensuring consistent guidelines across accrediting bodies.
Whether it’s choosing between CHAS and SafeContractor or understanding the application process, obtaining CHAS accreditation can streamline business operations and open up new opportunities.
What are CHAS accreditation requirements?
The requirements for CHAS accreditation come in three levels:
- CHAS Standard: This level meets the requirements of the Safety Schemes in Procurement (SSIP).
- CHAS Advanced: This level includes the SSIP requirements and those outlined in PAS91.
- CHAS Elite: This level encompasses the SSIP requirements, PAS91, and the Common Assessment Standard.
Meeting these requirements involves thorough documentation and evidence of compliance with health and safety standards.
Benefits of CHAS accreditation
In my years of experience as a safety consultant, I’ve often heard clients express concern about the time and effort involved in achieving CHAS accreditation. But the benefits can be worth it, especially if you’re a contractor or a subcontractor.
Demonstrates health and safety commitment
CHAS accreditation shows that a business takes health and safety seriously and is willing to invest in improving its safety standards. This can really make a difference when it comes to winning contracts, especially with clients who care about health and safety.
Take one of my clients, a construction firm, for example. Initially, the company was hesitant to pursue CHAS accreditation because they thought it would take too much time away from their work. But I helped them through the process, and within a few weeks, they were accredited. And you know what else? They not only became more competitive in the market but also made their work sites safer for everyone.
I want to emphasize that it’s not just about winning contracts. When clients see that you’re CHAS accredited, they know they’re working with a company that values the well-being of its employees above all else. And that’s always a good sign for any business.
It ensures effective risk management
What is CHAS Accreditation if not about real-life risk management. You can develop solid risk management strategies by completing a health and safety assessment with CHAS.
When I do SSIP assessment for businesses, it help me find areas they needed to improve on. They take feedback from the assessment and made some changes.
It’s all about making changes that could save someone’s life. And you’ll save time because you only have to go through these assessments once a year, instead of for every single project.
You get to gain more work opportunities with local authorities
Having CHAS accreditation can also lead to more work opportunities, especially with big organizations like hospitals and universities. I’m referring to places that require proof that you meet high health and safety standards, and CHAS accreditation shows you’ve what it takes.
According to Chas, when you become a CHAS Standard member, you can “use your membership to gain preferred status with clients and begin your journey towards winning more business.”
Being accredited shows your business can be trusted
Getting CHAS accreditation shows that your business is reliable.
When clients see that you’ve earned it, they feel more confident working with you. It’s like saying, “Hey, we take safety seriously here!” Plus, you can proudly display the CHAS logo, showing everyone that you’re a reliable choice.
And who knows? It might even bring in some new clients!
Proving compliance and commitment to health & safety
As a safety consultant, one of my favourite parts of the CHAS accreditation process is the way it forces businesses to examine their health and safety procedures in detail.
Through the accreditation process, you’re required to meticulously document your health and safety protocols, from risk assessments to training programs. It is a rigorous process, but it provides you with a comprehensive understanding of what it truly means to prioritize health and safety in the workplace.
It improves business reputation and credibility
Having CHAS accreditation can improve a business’s reputation and make it more attractive to potential customers. Customers are more likely to trust a business that has demonstrated its commitment to health and safety through accreditation.
Saves time and resources
Lastly, CHAS accreditation saves you time and resources. Instead of redoing prerequisites for each project, your accreditation serves as proof that you’re compliant. This means you can skip repetitive processes and focus on growing your business.
How to get CHAS accredited
The process of obtaining CHAS accreditation involves completing an online application, submitting supporting documentation, and undergoing assessment by CHAS assessors.
Here’s how you can do it:
First, head to the CHAS website and find the online application. You’ll need to register with CHAS and pay the required fee. Then, fill out the questionnaire and provide supporting evidence of your health and safety compliance.
Once you’ve submitted your application, it’ll be reviewed by an assessor. They’ll let you know if you’ve passed, or if they need more information.
It’s worth noting that the application process can be tricky if you’re not familiar with it. Only about 20% of contractors pass on their first attempt.
To improve your chances, ensure you have all the necessary paperwork and evidence of health and safety training. Choose the right package for your business, fill out the CHAS Contractor Registration Form, and submit your application.
While the application process may seem daunting, professional guidance from Train In Health and Safety can streamline the process and increase the likelihood of success.
FAQS
CHAS accreditation isn’t just for construction workers. It’s useful for a wide range of businesses, from window cleaners to residential care providers. In fact, CHAS covers different work categories, so chances are, your industry is included!
SafeContractor is another health and safety accreditation scheme that’s well-known in the UK. It’s trusted by many organizations and has the largest team of internal auditors in the country. Over 28,000 companies in both the public and private sectors have earned SafeContractor accreditation.
Getting CHAS accredited usually takes around 10 working days. Once you apply, an assessor will be assigned to review your application. You’ll typically hear back within 2 days, but if there are any issues with your initial application, it might take a bit longer.
You’ll need to renew your CHAS accreditation every year. It’s a way to show that you’re still meeting the high standards of health and safety management required. CHAS used to have different levels of compliance, but now everyone needs to renew annually to keep things clear and consistent.
Yes, CHAS accepts TrainInHealthandSafety (THS) training certificates as evidence of industry-related training for your application. If you’ve completed training with THS, you can use your printable certificate to show that you’re compliant with industry standards.
CHAS isn’t something the law says you have to have to work in construction. However, some clients might ask for it before they let you work on their sites.
This is especially common for jobs with the government or in commercial contracts. So, if your clients want it, you’ll need a valid CHAS certificate to get the job.
The CHAS accreditation is relevant across industries, including construction, healthcare, manufacturing, hospitality, and services.
It is recognized by organizations such as the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) and is often a requirement for tendering processes.
It ensures safety standards are met, promoting trust and reliability among clients and stakeholders. Its impact on ensuring safety and compliance resonates with clients and consumers, making it a valuable asset for businesses.
What is CHAS Accreditation cost? Well, it depends on a couple of things like what type of assessment you need and how many people work for your company.
For the basic CHAS SSIP accreditation, the price ranges from £279 for one employee to £1099 for over 1000 employees.
If you need assistance with CHAS accreditation, THS is here to help
If you need help with CHAS accreditation, I’m here to take care of everything for you. I know how overwhelming it can be to gather the right evidence, keep everything up-to-date, and meet the strict criteria set by CHAS.
With nearly a decade of experience, I handle the entire process from start to finish, making sure nothing is overlooked.
As your dedicated Safety Advisor, I’ll take the burden off your shoulders by conducting risk assessments, reviewing policies, providing necessary training, and ensuring all your documentation is in place for a successful accreditation.
This isn’t just about giving you templates or advice—I roll up my sleeves and do the heavy lifting, making sure your business is fully compliant and ready for CHAS approval.
At TrainInHealthandSafety, we specialize in helping businesses like yours achieve SSIP accreditation with ease, whether through CHAS, SafeContractor, or another scheme. With our affiliate status, I can offer you faster processing times, discounts on accreditation/renewal fees, and ongoing support throughout the assessment.
Think of THS as your one-stop shop for CHAS accreditation. We’ll:
- Do all the work through each step: No need to worry about missing anything. I’ll keep you on track and ensure all the necessary documents are in order.
- Act as your competent Safety Advisor: This is a mandatory requirement for businesses seeking CHAS accreditation, and I’m fully qualified to fill that role.
- Prepare the necessary documentation: From risk assessments to policy reviews, I’ll take care of the paperwork, allowing you to focus on running your business.
- Provide ongoing support: I’m here to answer your questions and offer guidance throughout the entire process.
Plus, with my affiliate status, you may even benefit from:
- Faster processing times: Sometimes as quick as 2 days!
- Discounts on fees: Save money while getting the peace of mind that comes with CHAS accreditation.
If you’re ready to get started or need more information, contact me at +44(0)20 8059 3633 or email [email protected]. Let me handle the SSIP requirements while you focus on what you do best—running your business. With my expertise, your CHAS accreditation is in the best possible hands.
WE CAN HELP YOU GET CHAS ACCREDITED!