What documents are needed for CHAS?

Find out what documents are needed for CHAS?  CHAS is an assessment of your Health & Safety documentation, so you will need to provide evidence that this is carried out correctly. Depending on the size of your business depends on the information you need to provide. The details below are for 5 employees or less you will need more for 5+ employees.

Examples of documentation needed will include:

• Toolbox Talks attendance sheets
• COSHH assessments
• Risk Assessment and Method Statement for job specifics
• Sub contractor induction documentation
• Agreements to show evidence of your safety advisor.
• COVID 19 procedures and processes
• Evidence of training requirement for your industry this can include:
  • CSCS cards
  • Manual Handling
  • Working at heights
  • Asbestos awareness
  • Abrasive Wheel Training

CHAS assessment criteria

The CHAS assessment criteria are the same as those of all SSIP suppliers. SSIP (Safety Schemes in Procurement) is an umbrella organisation formed in 2009 to reduce the duplication of health and safety assessments.

The CHAS assessment standards and requirements are listed below.

• Policy
• Arrangements
• Occupational Health
• Behavioural Management
• Enforcement Actions
• Accident Reporting and Investigation
• Fleet Operations / Management Scheme
• Competent Advice – Corporate and Construction
• Drug and Alcohol Policy
• Training and Information
• Individual Qualifications and Experience
• Monitoring, Audit and Review
• Risk Assessment Leading to a Safe System of Work
• Workforce Involvement
• Co-operation and Co-ordination
• Welfare Provision
• Subcontractors and Sub-consultants
• Contractor
• Principal Contractor
• Designer

Below is a flavour of the detail required for the first five parts of the CHAS application.

Policy

The Health and Safety Policy should be:

• In the correct company name (As listed on the CHAS 2013 Ltd application)
•  Dated within the last 12 months
• Approved by the appropriate company director / responsible person
• Lists the persons with health and safety responsibilities and sets out the responsibilities of H&S management throughout the organisation.

We can make the process of the CHAS application easy for you by doing it for you.

Arrangements

The arrangements section of the Health and Safety policy should include but not limited to the following:

• Accident reporting, including RIDDOR, first aid and work-related ill health 
• Training
• Information, instruction & supervision
• Communication
• Risk assessment
• Monitoring
• Emergency procedures
• Asbestos
• COVID -19

Occupational Health

The policy or arrangements should include the following:

• Measures to raise awareness of these issues such as posters and toolbox talks

• How the workforce can access help and support if suffering from these issues Health & Safety Assessment Guidance v1.0 (website) 05/07/2023 Uncontrolled document when printed Page 2 of 13 Classification: PUBLIC • How the workforce is trained to handle these issues such as access to accredited mental health first aid training.

Behavioural Management

The supporting evidence must confirm that there are documented arrangements in place for a behavioural management or behavioural safety programme.

Enforcement Actions

Details of any enforcement notices (Prohibition, Improvement or Crown) or prosecutions served on your company in the last five years by the HSE or Local Authority and the remedial actions taken to prevent a reoccurrence. A prosecution or notice will not debar the business from registration but a failure to declare one could – please note that CHAS will check the HSE public register of convictions.

Accident Reporting and Investigation

Supporting Information:

Find out what documents are needed for CHAS arrangements.

• Documented arrangements for the recording, reporting, and reporting of accidents (Including RIDDOR reportable accidents).

• Records of all RIDDOR-reportable and other incidents for at least the last three years, including remedial actions to prevent a reoccurrence.
• Records of any other accidents within the last three years, including the remedial actions to prevent a reoccurrence. The accident statistics for the last three years incorporating the following categories: Health & Safety Assessment Guidance v1.0 (website) 05/07/2023 Uncontrolled document when printed Page 3 of 13 Classification: PUBLIC
• Deaths
• Specified Injuries
• Over 3 days incapacitated
• Over 7 days Incapacitated
• Injuries to non-workers
• Occupational Diseases
• Dangerous Occurrences
• Gas Incidents

Chas assessment standards

Learn more about CHAS

We have a series of articles where you can learn more about CHAS. The list of articles is below:

• What is CHAS
• CHAS accreditations
• CHAS registration
• Guide to CHAS
• CHAS renewal
• CHAS accreditation cost
• SIPP accreditation and CHAS
• CHAS deem to satisfy
• CHAS Training Guidance
• Competent person and CHAS
• CHAS support

SSIP Accreditation and CHAS: What UK Contractors Need to Know (2026 Guide)

If you’re a contractor trying to win work in the UK construction sector, you’ve likely come across SSIP accreditation and CHAS.

SSIP is the system. CHAS is one of the most recognised schemes within it.

If you want to work for main contractors, councils, or commercial clients, you’ll almost always need one of them.

If you’re applying through CHAS, follow our CHAS accreditation step-by-step guide.

What Is SSIP Accreditation?

Safety Schemes in Procurement (SSIP) is an umbrella organisation that:

• Standardises health & safety assessments
• Reduces duplication across multiple schemes
• Ensures all member schemes assess the same core criteria

In simple terms: SSIP means “one standard, recognised everywhere.”

What Is CHAS?

CHAS (The Contractors Health and Safety Assessment Scheme) is:

• One of the most widely recognised SSIP schemes
• Used by main contractors, developers, and local authorities
• A fast way to prove your business meets health & safety requirements
• How to get CHAS accreditation step-by-step

Quick Comparison

What Do SSIP & CHAS Actually Assess?

All SSIP schemes (including CHAS) assess the same core areas:

• Health & Safety Policy
• Competent Advice
• Training & Competence
• Risk Assessments & RAMS
• Accident Reporting
• Workforce Involvement
• Monitoring & Review
• Subcontractor Management
• Welfare & Communication

This is why: If you pass CHAS, you meet the SSIP standard.

Do You Need SSIP or CHAS?

You DO need it if you want to:

• Work for main contractors
• Bid for local authority or public sector work
• Access construction frameworks
• Get onto approved supplier lists
• Do you need CHAS accreditation as a UK contractor?

You may not need it if:

• You only work for domestic homeowners
• You don’t plan to enter commercial construction

But realistically, No SSIP = limited growth in construction

CHAS vs Other SSIP Schemes

CHAS is not the only option. Other SSIP schemes include:

• Constructionline
• PQS
• SMAS Worksafe
• SafeContractor

All assess the same standards, but:

• Some clients specify CHAS by name
• Others accept any SSIP-accredited scheme
• You may also benefit from CHAS Deem to Satisfy if you already hold SSIP certification.

Choosing the right one depends on:

• Your target clients
• Tender requirements
• Budget

How Much Does SSIP / CHAS Cost?

Typical entry-level costs:

• CHAS: from ~£429 + VAT
• PQS – £49 + VAT
• SMAS: from ~£317 + VAT
• SafeContractor: from ~£419 + VAT
• Constructionline Bronze: from ~£498 + VAT
• To compare options, see our CHAS vs Constructionline guide.

Important: The highest cost is often getting your documents compliant, not the scheme fee.

Why Contractors Fail SSIP / CHAS

Common mistakes include:

• Outdated health & safety policy
• Missing RAMS
• No competent safety advisor
• Weak or generic documents
• Expired insurance
• No training evidence

Fix these early, and approval becomes straightforward. Common reasons CHAS applications fail and how to avoid them

Benefits of CHAS / SSIP Accreditation

• Win more contracts
• Meet pre-qualification requirements
• Build trust with clients
• Reduce repeated assessments
• Improve your safety systems

Final Verdict

• SSIP = the standard
• CHAS = one of the best-known ways to meet it

If you want to grow in construction, SSIP accreditation isn’t optional; it’s expected.

Need help getting approved? Our CHAS support service handles the full process for you.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is SSIP accreditation?

SSIP accreditation is a UK health and safety pre-qualification system that assesses contractors against a standard set of criteria. It helps reduce duplication across different schemes and allows contractors to demonstrate compliance to clients and main contractors.

What is CHAS, and how does it relate to SSIP?

CHAS is a health and safety accreditation scheme and a member of SSIP. It assesses contractors against the SSIP core criteria, meaning a CHAS certificate demonstrates compliance with recognised UK construction health and safety standards.

Do I need SSIP or CHAS to work in construction?

Most contractors working for main contractors, local authorities or commercial clients need SSIP accreditation such as CHAS. It is often required for pre-qualification and for accessing construction work opportunities.

Is CHAS the same as SSIP?

No. SSIP is the umbrella organisation that sets the assessment standard, while CHAS is one of the accreditation schemes that assesses contractors against those standards.

Can I use another SSIP scheme instead of CHAS?

Yes. Other SSIP schemes, such as PQS, Constructionline, SMAS, and SafeContractor, assess contractors against the same core criteria. The choice depends on what your clients or tenders require.

How long does SSIP or CHAS accreditation last?

SSIP accreditations, such as CHAS, typically last for 12 months. Contractors must renew annually to remain compliant and visible to clients and buyers. Learn about CHAS renewal.

What does CHAS assess?

CHAS assesses health and safety policies, risk assessments, training records, competent advice, accident reporting, workforce involvement, monitoring systems and subcontractor management to ensure contractors can work safely and meet industry standards. Learn about CHAS assessment criteria.

Why is SSIP accreditation important?

SSIP accreditation is important because it proves your business meets recognised health and safety standards, helps you pass pre-qualification requirements and increases your chances of winning contracts in the construction industry.

Related CHAS Guides

• If you’re applying through CHAS, follow our CHAS accreditation step-by-step guide.
• You may also benefit from CHAS Deem to Satisfy if you already hold SSIP certification.
• To compare options, see our CHAS vs Constructionline guide.
• Need help getting approved? Our CHAS support service handles the full process for you.

CHAS Deem to Satisfy: What It Means for Contractors (2026 Guide)

If you’ve seen “Deem to Satisfy” in CHAS, here’s the simple answer:

CHAS Deem to Satisfy means your existing accreditation can be recognised as meeting CHAS requirements, without repeating the full assessment.

It’s designed to reduce duplication, speed up approvals, and get you on site faster.

Quick Answer

• Already accredited with another scheme? You may qualify for Deem to Satisfy
• Saves time?  Yes (no full reassessment)
• Still checked?  Yes (validation still required)
• If you’re applying from scratch, follow our step-by-step CHAS accreditation guide.

How CHAS Deem to Satisfy Works

CHAS is part of:

Safety Schemes in Procurement (SSIP). All SSIP schemes follow the same core health & safety criteria, which allows CHAS to:

1. Review your existing SSIP certificate
2. Verify it meets CHAS standards
3. Grant CHAS status without a full reassessment

In practice, if you already meet SSIP standards, CHAS may accept them rather than requiring you to start from scratch. Deem to Satisfy works alongside SSIP accreditation schemes like CHAS.

When Can You Use Deem to Satisfy?

You can typically use it if you already hold accreditation from another SSIP scheme, such as:

• Constructionline
• PQS
• SMAS Worksafe
• SafeContractor

Common scenario:

• A client specifically asks for CHAS
• You already have another SSIP certificate
• You use Deem to Satisfy to get CHAS quickly

What CHAS Still Checks

Even with Deem to Satisfy, CHAS will still verify:

• Your accreditation is valid and current
• Your business details match
• Your scope of work is appropriate
• Any additional CHAS specific requirements

It’s not automatic approval; it’s streamlined approval.

Benefits of CHAS Deem to Satisfy

• Avoid duplicate assessments
• Faster route to CHAS accreditation
• Lower admin burden
• Maintain compliance across multiple clients
• Stay competitive in tenders

Common Misunderstandings

“I’m already SSIP accredited, so I’m automatically CHAS approved.”

Not true: you must still apply via Deem to Satisfy.
Incorrect: CHAS still validates your status

When You Should Use It

Use Deem to Satisfy if:

• A client specifically requests CHAS
• You already hold a valid SSIP accreditation
• You want to avoid repeating the full process

Simple Takeaway

Deem to Satisfy = Faster CHAS approval using your existing SSIP accreditation.

If you are looking for a CHAS accreditation, you may want to understand the full cost. See our CHAS accreditation cost breakdown.

Need help getting approved? Our CHAS support service handles the full process for you.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Deem to Satisfy mean?

Deem to Satisfy means CHAS may recognise an existing valid SSIP accreditation as meeting the CHAS health and safety assessment requirements, helping contractors avoid repeating the full assessment process.

Can I get CHAS if I already have another SSIP accreditation?

Yes. If you already hold a valid SSIP accreditation from another recognised scheme, you may be able to apply for CHAS using the Deemto Satisfy route instead of completing a full CHAS assessment.

Is CHAS Deem to Satisfy automatic?

No. Deem/Satisfy is not automatic. CHAS still needs to verify your existing accreditation, business details, scope of work and whether your current certificate meets the required standard.

Which accreditations can be used for Deem to Satisfy?

Contractors may be able to use another valid SSIP accreditation, such as Constructionline, SafeContractor, SMAS, CQMS or PQS, to support a CHAS Deem to Satisfy application.

Why would a contractor use Deem to Satisfy?

A contractor may use Deem to Satisfy when a client specifically asks for CHAS, but the contractor already holds another SSIP accreditation. This can reduce duplication, save time and help meet client requirements faster.

Does Deem to Satisfy mean I do not need documents?

No. You may still need to provide evidence, including your existing SSIP certificate and business information. CHAS may also request additional documents if your current accreditation does not fully cover the required scope.

How long does Deem to Satisfy take?

CHAS Deem to Satisfy can be quicker than a full CHAS assessment because the core health and safety assessment has already been completed by another SSIP scheme. The timescale depends on validation and any additional information requested.

Is CHAS Deem to Satisfy the same as full CHAS accreditation?

Deem to Satisfy can provide a route to CHAS recognition based on an existing SSIP accreditation. However, CHAS still validates the application and may require additional information before approval.

Related CHAS Guides

• If you’re applying from scratch, follow our step-by-step CHAS accreditation guide.
• Deem to Satisfy works alongside SSIP accreditation schemes like CHAS.
• To understand the full cost, see our CHAS accreditation cost breakdown.
• Need help getting approved? Our CHAS support service handles the full process for you.