A CHAS accreditation – short for Contractors Health and Safety Assessment Scheme Accreditation – is a widely recognised certification in the UK that demonstrates a business’s commitment to meeting high standards of health and safety compliance, particularly in the construction and related industries.
Background of the CHAS accreditation
Health & Safety Assurance: It verifies that your organisation’s health and safety policies, procedures, and practices meet legal and industry standards.
Pre-qualification for Tenders: Many public sector bodies (like councils, schools, and hospitals) and large contractors require CHAS accreditation before allowing you to tender for work.
SSIP Membership: CHAS is a founding member of the Safety Schemes in Procurement (SSIP), which helps reduce duplication in health and safety assessments across different schemes.
Levels of CHAS Accreditation
There are typically three tiers:
- CHAS Standard: Covers SSIP core criteria.
- CHAS Advanced: Includes SSIP plus PAS91 requirements.
- CHAS Elite: Incorporates the Common Assessment Standard for broader compliance.
Please speak to our professionally qualified team to discuss your requirements.
Benefits of the CHAS Accreditation
Boosts Credibility: Signals to clients and stakeholders that your business takes safety seriously.
Opens Doors: Helps secure contracts with organisations that prioritise accredited suppliers.
Streamlines Procurement: Saves time by reducing the need to repeatedly submit health and safety documentation for each tender.
CHAS Core Criteria Breakdown
Health & Safety Policy
- A signed and dated policy statement
- Clear assignment of responsibilities
- Evidence of regular review and updates
Risk Assessments & Method Statements (RAMS)
- Task-specific risk assessments
- Method statements showing safe systems of work
- Evidence of control measures for key hazards (e.g. HAVS, working at height)
Competent Health & Safety Advice
Training & Supervision
- Records of employee inductions, toolbox talks, and ongoing training
- Qualifications and certifications (e.g. CSCS cards)
Accident & Incident Reporting
- Procedures for reporting, investigating, and learning from incidents
- RIDDOR compliance where applicable
Monitoring & Review
- Internal audits or inspections
- Evidence of performance reviews and continuous improvement
Subcontractor Management
- Vetting procedures for subcontractor competence
- Monitoring systems to ensure ongoing compliance
Insurance Documentation
- Valid Employers’ Liability and Public Liability insurance
- Minimum cover levels as required by CHAS
Workforce Engagement
- Mechanisms for consulting with employees on health and safety matters
- Evidence of feedback loops and participation
These criteria are aligned with the CDM 2015 Approved Code of Practice and SSIP standards.
Common Pitfalls in Applying for a CHAS Accreditation
Applying for CHAS accreditation can be a strategic win – but only if you avoid the common traps that trip up many first-time applicants.
Incomplete or Generic Health & Safety Policy: Submitting a vague or outdated policy, or one missing a director’s signature and review date.
Missing or Weak Risk Assessments: No evidence of task-specific risk assessments or method statements.
No Incident Records: Failing to document workplace incidents, near misses, or corrective actions.
Lack of On-Site Inspection Evidence: No proof that you monitor and enforce your safety systems.
Unclear Subcontractor Vetting: Not showing how you assess and monitor subcontractor competence.
Training Gaps: Missing records of staff inductions, toolbox talks, or refresher training.
Insurance Oversights: Submitting expired or insufficient insurance documents.
Underestimating the Time Commitment: Rushing the application or assuming it’s a quick tick-box exercise.
Need Help with Gaining a CHAS Accreditation?
At Watson and Watson Health and Safety Consultants, we deal with CHAS applications on a day-to-day basis, and our professionally qualified team are 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.
