When businesses approach me to ask about CHAS accreditation, many are unsure if it’s worth the hassle. They ask, “What is the point of Chas accreditation? We’re already operating safely.”
I get where that hesitation comes from. The process (and cost too!) isn’t easy, especially for smaller companies.
CHAS stands for the Contractors Health and Safety Assessment Scheme. Even though it’s not legally required, this accreditation has become a must-have for contractors wanting to bid on major projects in the UK.
The reality is, lots of the big players – city councils, housing associations, large corporations – they simply won’t consider your business unless you have CHAS accreditation, which ensures you’ve been thoroughly vetted for your health and safety practices.
The application requires extremely detailed documentation of your safety policies, staff training records, equipment logs, and more. You can’t just say you operate safely – you have to prove it.
The challenges are real, but I’ve seen the massive benefits. Landing that CHAS accreditation opens a whole new playing field of bigger clients and project scope than they could access before.
So is CHAS worth the investment of time, money, and effort for today’s contractors?
Read on to find out why Chas is worth taking on for companies looking to truly grow and level up.
WE CAN HELP YOU GET CHAS ACCREDITED!
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.
Why pursue CHAS accreditation?
Simplified tendering and procurement processes
I know that dealing with health and safety regulations can be a headache. However CHAS accreditation makes it simpler by offering a single, standardized assessment.
This means fewer health and safety questionnaires from potential clients, less paperwork for your business, and more time to focus on what really matters—your work!
With CHAS accreditation, you show that your company meets health and safety standards.
Shows clients you take health and safety seriously
CHAS is a well-respected accreditation that proves your commitment to health and safety.
It shows that your business has the right policies and practices in place to protect your workers and comply with UK health and safety regulations, giving clients peace of mind when hiring you.
This accreditation helps you implement strong health and safety policies, reducing risks and accidents for everyone in the workplace.
Open up new business opportunities
Many construction projects only consider CHAS-certified suppliers, so having this credential can be essential just to get your foot in the door.
I’ve seen businesses that struggled to win contracts suddenly start securing much more work after getting CHAS accredited.
This recognition sets you apart from competitors and makes you more attractive to potential clients and partners. It opens doors to lucrative opportunities and partnerships, helping your business grow and succeed.
CHAS accreditation gives your business a competitive edge
Clients often prefer CHAS-certified contractors because it reduces their own paperwork and risk. Many clients, especially in construction and public services, require CHAS accreditation before considering bids.
In a crowded marketplace, clients look for reasons to choose one contractor over another.
Price isn’t always the deciding factor. Having CHAS accreditation shows clients that you’re not just capable but also responsible and committed to the highest standards.
This can drive business growth, create jobs, and improve financial stability.
Peace of mind
The CHAS accreditation process is rigorous, covering everything from a company’s safety policy and risk assessments to its procedures for managing subcontractors and reporting incidents.
Achieving and retaining CHAS status shows clients that a contractor takes these issues seriously and has the systems in place to protect workers and the public. This peace of mind is invaluable when organizations are entrusting critical, high-risk construction work.
Better risk management with integrated health and safety
CHAS accreditation helps you make safety an integral part of your business operations.
When I assist my clients, we start with a thorough audit of their current practices. This usually reveals several areas for improvement. We then update their health and safety policies, implement comprehensive training programs, and introduce a more effective incident reporting system.
We are talking a safer working environment, reducing the risk of accidents and incidents. It means better protection for employees and subcontractors, avoiding costly legal issues and damage to your reputation.
In an industry where safety is crucial, you see this is a huge advantage.
Helps you build a safer workplace
Obtaining CHAS accreditation is kind of like putting your safety culture under a magnifying glass. During the assessment process, you’ll take a deep dive into your health and safety practices.
But that’s not a bad thing! It actually leads to better safety habits. Your employees will be more aware of safety protocols, knowing that their company prioritizes their well-being.
This not only protects them from accidents but also fosters a more engaged and productive workforce.
Is Being CHAS Accredited Really Worth It?
Obtaining and maintaining CHAS certification isn’t always a walk in the park, especially for smaller businesses.
The process requires a lot of paperwork—health and safety policies, risk assessments, insurance details. And hiring health and safety experts to help out can add up. Plus, there’s the annual renewal fee.
For some businesses, this can feel like a burden, particularly if they’re not bidding on a lot of CHAS-required projects. It might seem like they’re paying for something that’s not worth the effort.
But I’ve seen how vital that CHAS stamp of approval can be. For the companies I’ve guided through it, their accreditation instantly gives them credibility to bid on those bigger, more lucrative jobs they couldn’t compete for before. I mean unlocking a whole new tier of clients and revenues.
Not only that, but having to get CHAS certified forces businesses to really get their safety operations locked down tight. Sure, it’s a bureaucratic process.
But it ensures you have comprehensive, formalized practices to keep your teams and worksites safe. Clients know that CHAS mark means you’re operating at the highest standards.
So in my experience, is CHAS worth it? For contractors wanting to legitimately grow and land those major clients and projects, 100% yes – despite the headaches, it’s an investment that can pay massive dividends. But for a smaller operation just doing occasional, minor jobs, it may not be worth the time and costs involved.
If you’re ready to get accredited, give us a call today!
I know from experience that the whole CHAS application and audit process can feel overwhelming. Pulling together all those detailed safety policies, training records, equipment logs – it’s a ton of work on top of actually running your business day-to-day.
That’s where I can step in to make it manageable. As someone who has guided many companies through CHAS accreditation, I can take that entire process off your plate.
When we work together, I start by doing a thorough assessment of where your current practices may fall short of the CHAS standards. From there, I’ll craft comprehensive, regulation-compliant health and safety policies tailored for your business.
But getting those policies on paper is just the first step. I’ll also provide hands-on training to ensure your whole team thoroughly understands the new protocols and how to follow them on the job site every day.
With the policies implemented, I’ll handle compiling every single piece of documentation CHAS assessors need to see – from staff certifications to equipment maintenance logs and more. No random forms or surprise requirements will slip through the cracks.
Once the submission is ready, I’ll continue guiding you through site audits, inspections, or any other hoops CHAS requires. Essentially, I’ll be the one sweating all the stressful details so you can stay focused on your core operations.
Seeing clients I’ve worked with earn that CHAS stamp of approval after all the effort? It’s incredibly rewarding. And I’d love to make that happen for your company as well.
WE CAN HELP YOU GET CHAS ACCREDITED!
