The SafeContractor Accreditation is a UK-wide health and safety certification scheme run by Alcumus that demonstrates a business has robust safety management systems and meets essential compliance standards. It is widely recognised across construction, facilities management, and other industries as part of the SSIP (Safety Schemes in Procurement) framework.
Here’s a summary of what the SafeContractor accreditation / membership is:
Independent Assessment: Contractors undergo an audit of their health and safety policies, procedures, and risk management systems to ensure they are adequate for the services provided.
SSIP Member Scheme: SafeContractor is one of the founding members of SSIP, meaning it aligns with national procurement standards and avoids duplication across multiple accreditations.
Run by Alcumus: Alcumus is a leading UK provider of risk management and accreditation services, with over 28,000 members in the SafeContractor scheme.
Scope: Primarily covers health and safety compliance but also extends into areas like ethical practices, financial stability, and environmental responsibility (via the Sustainability add-on).
Who Typically Needs SafeContractor Accreditation?
Construction Contractors: Builders, electricians, plumbers, roofers, and other trades working on construction sites.
Facilities Management Providers: Cleaning, maintenance, HVAC, and security companies delivering services in offices, schools, hospitals, or public buildings.
SMEs and Sole Traders: Even small businesses or sole traders’ benefit, as SafeContractor is recognised by over 450 hiring organisations sourcing compliant contractors.
Specialist Contractors: Those working in high-risk environments (e.g., asbestos removal, demolition, scaffolding) where strong health and safety evidence is essential.
Suppliers to Large Organisations: Many corporates and local authorities mandate SafeContractor (or another SSIP scheme) as part of their procurement process.
Tradespeople Working in Private Homes: Accreditation reassures homeowners about safety and professionalism, especially when using platforms like Checkatrade.
What are the Benefits of SafeContractor Accreditation?
Client Requirement: Many corporates, local authorities, and construction firms will only engage contractors who hold SSIP accreditation.
Access to More Work: Accreditation is recognised by over 450 hiring organisations across the UK. Being listed in the SafeContractor database increases visibility to potential clients.
Credibility & Trust: Demonstrates that your business meets recognised health and safety standards. Provides assurance to clients that you have robust risk management systems in place. Builds confidence with both commercial clients and domestic customers.
Competitive Advantage: Helps you stand out in a crowded market. Accreditation can be the deciding factor in tendering processes. Shows commitment to compliance and professionalism, which clients increasingly value.
Risk Assurance / Reduction: Reduces liability for both contractors and clients by proving compliance with UK health and safety law. Ensures that policies, risk assessments, and training records are up to date. Provides a structured framework for managing subcontractors safely.
Efficiency & Mutual Recognition: As part of SSIP, SafeContractor avoids duplication – if you hold it, you’re recognised across other SSIP schemes (on payment to the other accreditation schemes – deemed to satisfy). Saves time and resources compared to completing multiple client-specific safety checks.
Optional Wider Compliance (Sustainability add-on):
Extends beyond Health and Safety into areas such as:
- Financial stability
- Environmental responsibility
- Ethical practices (e.g., modern slavery, GDPR compliance)
- Provides a “one-stop” accreditation for broader procurement requirements.
Accreditation / Membership Levels of SafeContractor Accreditation
SafeContractor accreditation doesn’t have strict “levels” like tiers but offers different membership plans. These being Standard Membership, Assisted Membership, Express Membership, and Premier Membership.
Note: The main difference in membership levels is the varying degrees of support, speed, and cost, while all levels demonstrate your business meets essential health & safety (H&S) standards for SSIP/PAS 91, plus options for broader compliance like ISO certifications (Quality, Environment, Security), allowing tailored proof of competence for clients.
What SafeContractor Accreditation / Membership Levels Offer
All levels lead to the same accreditation outcome: you become SafeContractor approved and listed in their database.
Differences lie in speed and support: Assisted and Premier plans provide more hand-holding by SafeContractor, while Express accelerates turnaround.
Cost vs convenience trade-off: Smaller firms often choose Assisted for guidance, while larger or experienced contractors may stick with Standard
Standard Membership of SafeContractor is the core accreditation plan. It provides recognition under the SSIP framework and ensures your business is listed as SafeContractor approved once the assessment is complete.
Note: On taking our W&W services, you get the pre-assessment fast track free of charge via SafeContractor – please speak to a member of our staff before registering with SafeContractor.
Core Evidence / Requirements of Accreditation / Membership
Health & Safety Policy: a signed and dated policy statement outlining your company’s commitment to safety.
Risk Assessments & Method Statements (RAMS): examples relevant to the work you carry out, showing how hazards are identified and controlled. These being job-specific to the work categories which you choose.
COSHH Assessments: if you use hazardous substances, evidence of Control of Substances Hazardous to Health (COSHH) compliance.
Training Records: proof that employees have received appropriate health and safety training (e.g., induction, toolbox talks, certificates).
Accident Reporting Procedures: evidence of systems for reporting and investigating incidents (RIDDOR compliance).
Insurance Certificates: Employers’ Liability and Public Liability insurance documentation.
Subcontractor Management: induction records or agreements showing how you manage subcontractors safely.
Safety Advisor Evidence: if you use an external safety consultant, agreements or contracts to show their involvement or you need a suitably qualified employed person within your business.
Additional Evidence (Depending on Business Size/Scope)
More detailed documentation is required, including records of consultation with employees, monitoring systems, and evidence of ongoing safety reviews – with this depending on the size and scope of your business.
Specialist trades: May need to provide sector-specific evidence (e.g., asbestos licenses, scaffolding inspection records, HAVS monitoring).
Ethical & Environmental Policies: While not mandatory for Standard membership, many contractors also submit these to strengthen their profile.
Certification Validity
- Valid for 12 months from the date of accreditation.
- Renewal requires updated documentation and reassessment.
Common Pitfalls in Applying for a SafeContractor Accreditation / Membership
The most common pitfalls in applying for SafeContractor Accreditation are incomplete documentation, outdated policies, and misunderstanding the evidence requirements. These issues often delay or even block approval, especially for contractors new to compliance.
Incomplete or Missing Documentation
- Failing to provide all required evidence (e.g., risk assessments, training records, insurance certificates).
- Submitting generic documents that don’t reflect the actual work activities of your business.
- Forgetting to include subcontractor management processes if you use subcontractors.
Outdated Policies
- Health & Safety policies not signed, dated, or reviewed within the last 12 months.
- Risk assessments that don’t reflect current legislation or site practices.
- Accident reporting procedures not aligned with RIDDOR requirements.
Insurance Gaps
- Employers’ Liability or Public Liability insurance certificates missing or expired.
- Incorrect levels of cover compared to client expectations.
Training Records Issues
- No evidence of employee training (e.g., induction, toolbox talks, certificates).
- Submitting expired training certificates (e.g., first aid, asbestos awareness).
- Lack of evidence for subcontractor competence.
Poor Preparation for PAS 91 Questionnaire
- Incomplete or inaccurate answers to the PAS 91 pre-qualification form.
- Misunderstanding questions about company size, scope of work, or safety systems.
Underestimating Time & Effort
- Choosing Express membership without having documents ready, leading to delays.
- Assuming Assisted or Premier membership will “fix” missing evidence rather than guide you to prepare it.
Failure to Tailor Evidence
- Using “off-the-shelf” templates without adapting them to your specific trade or risks.
- Submitting policies that don’t match the scope of services you’ve listed in your application.
Need Help with Gaining SafeContractor Accreditation / Membership?
At Watson and Watson Health and Safety Consultants, we deal with SafeContractor Accreditation / Membership applications on a day-to-day basis, and our professionally qualified team is here to help you throughout the application process.
For more information and assistance, call us on 01623 753 654 for a no pressure discussion on your requirements.
