SSIP stands for Safety Schemes In Procurement and acts as an umbrella organisation that pulls together multiple Occupational Health and Safety Schemes scheme (like CHAS, SafeContractor, or SMAS) with the aim of reducing costs and duplication for both suppliers and buyers, particularly in the construction industry. SSIP is a UK-wide initiative designed to streamline health and safety compliance across industries, especially construction, engineering, and facilities management.
How SSIP Works
SSIP simplifies certification as instead of needing multiple accreditations for different clients, SSIP allows one certification from a member scheme (like CHAS, SafeContractor, or SMAS) to be recognised across the board.
SSIP also reduces duplication as contractors don’t have to undergo separate health and safety assessments for each client or scheme. One SSIP-accredited assessment can satisfy many procurement requirements.
As well as this, SSIP promotes legal compliance, ensuring that certified businesses meet core health and safety standards aligned with UK legislation, including the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974.
Who Uses SSIP?
SSIP is used across the supply chain. Contractors use it to prove health and safety competence. Clients & Procurement teams use SSIP to vet suppliers quickly and confidently. Accreditation bodies such as CHAS, SMAS, and SafeContractor, assess businesses against SSIP’s core criteria to determine whether a company meets the required threshold for safe working practices.
Understanding the SSIP Core Criteria
- Health & Safety Policy
- A signed, up-to-date policy outlining responsibilities and commitment to safety.
- Organisational Arrangements
- Procedures for managing health and safety, including:
- Risk assessments and method statements
- Consultation with employees
- Accident reporting
- Occupational health provisions
- Access to Competent Advice
- Evidence of internal or external qualified health and safety advisors (e.g., NEBOSH, IOSH). OR your engagement of an External Health & Safety Competent Advisor
- Training & Information
- Records showing that employees and subcontractors receive appropriate safety training and briefings.
These criteria are aligned with the Construction (Design and Management) Regulations (CDM) and approved by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE). They’re designed to be applicable not just to construction, but to any business seeking to demonstrate health and safety competence.
Key Benefits
Cost & Time Savings: Cuts down on repeated paperwork and assessment fees.
Tender Readiness: Makes businesses more competitive when bidding for contracts.
Mutual Recognition: Certification from one SSIP member scheme is accepted by others, often with a “Deem to Satisfy” status.
HSE Backing: SSIP is fully supported by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE), adding credibility to its framework.
Common Pitfalls in SSIP Accreditation
Misunderstanding the Requirements: Jumping into the application without fully grasping the SSIP Core Criteria or how they apply to your specific trade.
Weak Risk Management Documentation: Submitting generic or outdated risk assessments that don’t reflect current operations.
Missing or Incomplete Training Records: Lack of evidence for employee training, inductions, or toolbox talks.
No Clear Incident Reporting Process: Failing to show how your organisation learns from accidents or near misses.
Overlooking Subcontractor Management: Not showing how you vet and monitor subcontractors for health and safety compliance.
Outdated or Invalid Insurance Certificates: Submitting expired or insufficient coverage.
Trying to DIY Without Support: Attempting the process solo without leveraging scheme guidance or templates.
Need Help with Gaining an SSIP Accreditation (CHAS, SafeContractor, or SMAS etc)?
At Watson and Watson Health and Safety Consultants, we deal with SSIP applications (CHAS, SafeContractor, or SMAS etc) on a day-to-day basis, and our professionally qualified team are here to help throughout the application process.
For more information and assistance, call us on 01623 753 654 for a no pressure discussion on your requirements.
