SSIP vs CHAS – What’s the Difference and Which Accreditation Should You Choose?

SSIP vs CHAS: What’s the Difference and Which Should You Choose?

If you’re researching contractor accreditations, you’ve probably come across both SSIP and CHAS. One of the most common questions contractors ask is:

“What is the difference between SSIP and CHAS?”

The short answer is that CHAS is an SSIP member scheme. In other words, CHAS sits under the SSIP umbrella and assesses contractors against the SSIP core health and safety criteria.

Understanding how they relate can help you choose the right accreditation for your business and avoid unnecessary costs or confusion.

What Is SSIP?

SSIP stands for Safety Schemes in Procurement.

It is an umbrella organisation that promotes a common standard for health and safety assessment across contractor accreditation schemes.

The purpose of SSIP is to:

• Reduce duplication in contractor pre-qualification
• Simplify health and safety assessments
• Improve consistency across procurement processes
• Help contractors demonstrate compliance

Rather than being an accreditation itself, SSIP recognises member schemes that assess contractors against common health and safety standards.

What Is CHAS?

CHAS stands for The Contractors Health and Safety Assessment Scheme.

CHAS is one of the UK’s most recognised contractor accreditation providers and is an approved SSIP member scheme.

A CHAS assessment reviews a contractor’s health and safety management arrangements, including:

• Health & Safety Policy
• Risk Assessments
• RAMS
• Training Records
• Insurance
• Accident Reporting Procedures
• Competent Health & Safety Support

Successfully passing the assessment results in CHAS accreditation.

SSIP vs CHAS Explained Simply

The easiest way to understand the relationship is:

SSIP = The Standard

SSIP sets the framework and core assessment requirements.

CHAS = One of the Accredited Schemes

CHAS is a provider that assesses contractors against those standards.

Think of SSIP as the rulebook and CHAS as one of the organisations that applies those rules.

Is CHAS an SSIP Accreditation?

Yes.

CHAS is an SSIP member scheme and its accreditation is recognised under the SSIP framework.

This means a CHAS accredited contractor has demonstrated compliance with the SSIP core criteria.

SSIP vs CHAS Comparison Table

Do CHAS and Other SSIP Schemes Assess the Same Standards?

Yes.

All SSIP member schemes assess broadly the same core health and safety requirements.

Typical assessment areas include:

Health & Safety Policy

A signed and current policy document.

Risk Assessments

Evidence of hazard identification and control measures.

RAMS

Suitable Risk Assessments and Method Statements.

Training Records

Evidence of workforce competence.

Insurance

Current Employers’ Liability and Public Liability Insurance.

Accident Procedures

Systems for recording and managing incidents.

Competent Person Support

Access to competent health and safety advice.

Because the standards are largely identical, many contractors are surprised to learn that different SSIP schemes assess very similar information.

Why Do Some Contractors Choose CHAS?

CHAS is often selected because of its strong market recognition.

Benefits include:

Strong Client Recognition

Many principal contractors, local authorities and organisations recognise CHAS.

Widely Accepted

CHAS is accepted throughout construction, facilities management and engineering sectors.

Multiple Accreditation Levels

Businesses can access additional compliance modules and enhanced accreditation options.

Trusted Brand

CHAS has been operating for many years and has developed a strong reputation within the industry.

Why Might a Contractor Choose Another SSIP Scheme?

Some contractors select alternative SSIP schemes for reasons such as:

Lower Cost

Schemes such as SMAS, CQMS or PQS may offer lower entry fees.

Specific Client Requirements

Some clients request a particular accreditation scheme.

Additional Benefits

Constructionline, for example, offers contractor visibility and procurement opportunities alongside health and safety assessment.

Simplicity

Some smaller businesses prefer schemes with straightforward application processes.

Which Is Better: SSIP or CHAS?

Technically, this isn’t a direct comparison because CHAS is part of SSIP.

A better question is:

“Should I choose CHAS or another SSIP member scheme?”

The answer depends on:

• Your clients
• Your budget
• Industry expectations
• Business objectives
• Tender requirements

If clients specifically request CHAS, that is usually the most sensible choice.

If cost is the main consideration, another SSIP member scheme may provide the same health and safety assessment at a lower price.

Does CHAS Help Win More Work?

CHAS accreditation can help contractors:

• Pass pre-qualification questionnaires
• Gain site access approval
• Demonstrate compliance
• Improve credibility
• Meet supply chain requirements
• Qualify for tender opportunities

However, accreditation alone does not guarantee contracts. It is one part of a wider compliance and competency strategy.

Common Misconceptions About SSIP and CHAS

“CHAS Has Higher Standards”

Not necessarily.

CHAS assesses against the same core SSIP criteria used by other member schemes.

“Only CHAS Is Accepted”

Many clients accept any recognised SSIP member accreditation.

“The Most Expensive Scheme Is Best”

Cost and assessment quality are not necessarily linked.

The best accreditation is often the one recognised by your target clients.

How to Pass a CHAS or SSIP Assessment

Regardless of scheme, contractors should ensure they have:

• A current Health & Safety Policy
• Suitable Risk Assessments
• Relevant RAMS
• Up-to-date Insurance
• Training Records
• Accident Procedures
• Competent Health & Safety Support

Well-organised documentation significantly improves approval success.

How Seguro Can Help

Seguro Health & Safety helps contractors prepare for:

• CHAS Accreditation
• Constructionline Accreditation
• SafeContractor Applications
• SMAS Accreditation
• CQMS Applications
• PQS Accreditation
• SSIP Renewals

Support includes:

• Health & Safety Policies
• RAMS
• Risk Assessments
• Competent Person Services
• Training Reviews
• Compliance Audits

Conclusion

SSIP and CHAS are closely linked, but they are not the same thing.

SSIP is the framework that sets the assessment criteria, while CHAS is one of the accreditation schemes that assesses contractors against those standards.

For many businesses, CHAS is chosen because of its strong recognition and market reputation. However, other SSIP member schemes assess broadly the same health and safety standards and may offer advantages in terms of cost or additional services.

The most important factor is choosing the accreditation that aligns with your clients’ requirements and ensuring your health and safety documentation demonstrates full compliance

Frequently Asked Questions

Is CHAS the same as SSIP?

No. SSIP is the umbrella framework for Safety Schemes in Procurement, while CHAS is one of the accreditation schemes recognised under SSIP. CHAS assesses contractors against SSIP core health and safety criteria.

What is the difference between SSIP and CHAS?

SSIP sets the common health and safety assessment standards used by recognised member schemes. CHAS is an SSIP member scheme that carries out contractor assessments and awards CHAS accreditation.

Is CHAS an SSIP scheme?

Yes. CHAS is an approved SSIP member scheme. Contractors who pass CHAS can demonstrate that they have met the SSIP core health and safety assessment requirements

Which is better, SSIP or CHAS?

This is not a direct comparison because SSIP is the framework and CHAS is one of the schemes within that framework. A better question is whether CHAS or another SSIP member scheme is right for your business, which depends on client requirements, budget and tender goals.

Do I need CHAS if I already have SSIP?

If you already hold accreditation from another recognised SSIP member scheme, some clients may accept it. However, if a client specifically asks for CHAS, you may still need CHAS accreditation to meet their requirements.

Are all SSIP schemes assessed against the same standards?

Yes. SSIP member schemes assess contractors against the same core health and safety standards, including policies, risk assessments, RAMS, insurance, training records, accident procedures and competent health and safety support.

Does CHAS meet SSIP requirements?

Yes. CHAS is recognised by SSIP and assesses contractors against SSIP core criteria. Passing CHAS demonstrates that your business meets recognised health and safety assessment standards.

Why do contractors choose CHAS?

Many contractors choose CHAS because it has strong brand recognition, is widely requested by clients and principal contractors, and is commonly used across construction, facilities management and public sector supply chains.

Can I choose another SSIP scheme instead of CHAS?

Yes. Contractors can choose other SSIP member schemes such as SMAS, SafeContractor, Constructionline, CQMS or PQS. The right scheme depends on client requirements, cost, recognition and business objectives.

Can Seguro help with CHAS and SSIP accreditation?

Yes. Seguro Health & Safety can help contractors prepare for CHAS and other SSIP accreditations by supporting health and safety policies, RAMS, risk assessments, training reviews, competent person evidence, applications and renewals.