Remote Competent Safety Advisor Vs Onsite Visiting

We often get asked the question about our Competent Safety Advisor Service to see what the benefits are compared to having someone employed onsite. The obvious one is cost, it is much more cost effective to have a remote competent person as a service, a service like ours starts from £50 per month compared to a full time salary.

Why use an outsourced service?

• We supply a comprehensive Health and Safety Management System
• We develop a bespoke company Health and Safety Policy for your business
• We work with you to develop a company employee handbook
• We develop an Environmental Policy specific to you
• We provide assistance in Accident Reporting to Enforcing Authorities/Accident Investigation
• We will liaison with Enforcing Authorities on your behalf

Ongoing support

• Access to telephone advice on an unlimited number of occasions
• Updates on any changes in Health and Safety legislation
• Access to over 80 risk assessments and various supporting documentation held on our website
• Yearly review of all documentation and revised documents issued
• Monthly newsletters giving you latest Health & Safety News as well as legislation updates.

With over 200 clients we provide a comprehensive service that is affordable and reliable so SME’s can have peace of mind that they are compliant with their legal obligations.

There are no hidden fees and we pride ourselves with having an 95% retention record year on year. You can see testimonials on our website or on Trust pilot which is an independent review platform.

CHAS deem to satisfy process

The CHAS Deem to Satisfy process (DtS) scheme allows contractors to apply for CHAS Standard membership without undergoing another health and safety assessment.

All member schemes listed on the SSIP forum adhere to the SSIP Core Criteria, backed by the Health and Safety Executive.

By mutually recognising each other’s schemes, suppliers benefit from only needing to complete one assessment, while buyers enjoy more efficient procurement processes. This approach reduces costs and has saved over £68 million since 2016.

Eligibility

Contractors must have already met the requirements of an assessment through another SSIP member scheme. 

Benefits

Contractors can save time and resources by avoiding a full assessment. They can also avoid paying full price for multiple accreditations. 

Process

Contractors can: 

1. Check if they have a qualification that CHAS recognises by contacting CHAS or using the e-form. 
2. Submit their assessment, which will be reviewed within 10 working days. 
3. Respond to any requests for additional information within the 2-week deadline. 

CHAS deem to satisfy registered members

Two-Way Deem to Satisfy between SSIP Registered Members.

Approval with a Registered Member can only be used to Deem to Satisfy with another Registered Member; it cannot be used to gain a Deem to Satisfy with a Certification Body Member.

Below is the list of registered members you can use for deem to satisfy:

3Core2 Certification Limited Trading As SafeArb SafeArb

Achilles Information Ltd Building Confidence

Alcumus SafeContractor Ltd Alcumus Safecontractor

Altius VA Limited CDMComply

Arboricultural Association ARB Approved Contractor

Association for Project Safety APS Corporate Practice Membership

Avetta Avetta Assessed

CHAS 2013 Ltd Contractors Health & Safety Scheme

Construction Safety Solutions PASS

CQMS Ltd CQMS Safety-Scheme

D W Health & Safety DW Health & Safety Contractor Competency Scheme

Fall Arrest Safety Equipment Training Ltd FASET Membership Audit

Fortius Ltd Acclaim Accreditation

Greenlight Safety Assessment Scheme Ltd Greenlight Safety Assessment Scheme

Hire Association Europe Ltd SafeHire Certification Scheme

International Powered Access Federation [IPAF] IPAF SSIP

MSL Property Care Services Ltd MSL Safepartner

National Access & Scaffolding Confederation Ltd NASC SSIP Audit

National Federation of Demolition Contractors NFDC Membership

PQS Pre-Qualification Scheme PQS Health & Safety Approved

Salus Certification Salus Certification

Safe-T-Cert [NI] {Construction Employers Federation} Safe-T-Cert

Safe-T-Cert [ROI] {Construction Industry Federation} Safe-T-Cert

Safety Management Advisory Services Ltd SMAS Worksafe

SSG Training and Consultancy Ltd SSG Assessed

William Martin Compliance Limited Prosure 360

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 assessment criteria
• CHAS Training Guidance
• Competent person and CHAS
• CHAS support

If you have any questions on what is CHAS accreditation please get in touch.

CHAS vs Constructionline: Which Accreditation Do You Need? (2026 Guide)

Quick Answer

CHAS and Constructionline are both UK contractor accreditation schemes used to demonstrate health and safety compliance.

• CHAS focuses primarily on health & safety and SSIP compliance
• Constructionline combines health & safety with supplier verification, financial checks, and procurement tools
• If you’ve decided on CHAS, follow our step-by-step CHAS accreditation guide.

What is the Difference Between CHAS and Constructionline?

CHAS (Contractors Health and Safety Assessment Scheme)

• Health & safety focused
• SSIP accredited
• Recognised by public and private sector clients
• Often required for site access and contractor approval
• To understand how both schemes align, see our SSIP and CHAS explanation.

Best for:

• Contractors needing SSIP compliance
• Businesses working with main contractors or local authorities

Constructionline

• Broader pre-qualification platform
• Includes:
  • Health & safety (via SSIP at higher levels)
  • Financial checks
  • Company verification
• Acts as a supplier database for buyers

Best for:

• Contractors bidding for larger frameworks and tenders
• Businesses needing visibility to buyers

Key Differences (Simple Comparison)

Which One Do Clients Prefer?

It depends on the client:

• Main contractors / local authorities
  → Often ask for CHAS or SSIP
• Large frameworks/procurement platforms
  → Often specify Constructionline

Some clients accept either, as both align with SSIP standards

Cost Comparison (Overview)

• CHAS: Typically £400–£3,000+ per year
• Constructionline: Typically £498+ depending on level
• You can also review the typical costs of CHAS accreditation before deciding.

Costs vary based on:

• Business size
• Level of accreditation

Do You Need Both?

No one is enough

BUT:

• Some contractors choose both to maximise opportunities
• Certain clients specify one by name

When to Choose CHAS

Choose CHAS if you need to:

✔ Meet SSIP requirements
✔ Get approved for site work
✔ Demonstrate health & safety compliance
✔ Work with public sector or main contractors

When to Choose Constructionline

Choose Constructionline if you want to:

✔ Access procurement platforms
✔ Pass financial and supplier checks
✔ Bid for larger contracts
✔ Increase visibility to buyers

Pro Tip (Most Contractors Miss This)

All SSIP schemes (including CHAS and Constructionline )
follow the same core health & safety criteria

This means:

You may not need to duplicate applications.
You can often use one accreditation to support another

Final Thought

CHAS proves you are safe and compliant.
Constructionline helps you get found and win work

The best choice depends on:

• Your clients
• Your sector
• Your growth strategy

Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between CHAS and Constructionline?

CHAS focuses mainly on health and safety compliance and SSIP accreditation, while Constructionline is a broader pre-qualification platform that includes financial checks, supplier verification and procurement visibility.

Is CHAS better than Constructionline?

Neither CHAS nor Constructionline is better overall. CHAS is better for demonstrating health and safety compliance, while Constructionline is better for accessing procurement opportunities and supplier databases. The right choice depends on your client’s requirements.

Do I need CHAS or Constructionline?

You may only need one accreditation, depending on your clients. Many contractors choose CHAS to meet SSIP requirements, while others choose Constructionline for tendering and visibility. Some businesses use both to maximise opportunities.

Is Constructionline SSIP accredited?

es. Constructionline Gold includes SSIP accreditation, meaning it meets the same core health and safety criteria as schemes like CHAS.

“Is CHAS part of SSIP?

Yes. CHAS is a founding member of SSIP and provides recognised health and safety accreditation that aligns with SSIP standards.

Which is cheaper, CHAS or Constructionline?

Costs vary depending on company size and level. CHAS typically costs from around £400 per year, while Constructionline starts from around £498 per year, with higher tiers costing more.

Can I have both CHAS and Constructionline?

Yes. Many contractors hold both CHAS and Constructionline to meet different client requirements and increase their chances of winning work.

Which accreditation do main contractors prefer?

Main contractors and local authorities often require CHAS or another SSIP scheme for health and safety compliance. Some larger frameworks and procurement systems may specify Constructionline.

Related CHAS Guides

• If you’ve decided on CHAS, follow our step-by-step CHAS accreditation guide.
• To understand how both schemes align, see our SSIP and CHAS explanation.
• You can also review the typical costs of CHAS accreditation before deciding.
• Need help getting approved? Our CHAS support service handles the full process for you.

Risk Assessments and Method Statements

Here at Seguro we know that Risk Assessments & Method Statements (RAMS) can seem a daunting task when you have to start them from scratch. We have developed a library of documents that can be used within your business on a day to day basis.

We constantly update our shop section with the latest activity based ones we have created.

Our RAMS can be purchased individually  for only £10 + vat or in a pack depending on what you need.

If you are unsure if we have the document you need please visit our SHOP and see what you can find.

Here are some examples listed below:

RAMS For Screeding
Plumbing RAMS
External Painting RAMS
RAMS for commercial electrical installation

We also offer a RAMS Pack which contains 65 templates covering a range of subjects.

Standard RAMS

We provide a wide range of RAMS in template format on our website. Each can be five to sixteen pages long and contain between 3,000 and 9,000 words.

The RAMS are within a template and cover all the principal risks and methods to carry out a specific job. The RAM Templates need the client’s involvement as there will be a comprehensive sequence of work that could apply. As the client, you would be responsible for ensuring that this sequence was relevant to yourself and, if not amended to reflect your process.

Our standard RAMS cost from £6 to £12 per RAM or are provided free as part of our Safety Advisory service or Competent person service.

Review our standard RAMS

Risk assessment training

If the tasks you are carrying out are different and unique to your business a  Bespoke RAMS might be better for you.

This is where we create a RAMS that is 100% specific to your needs., prices start at £150 + vat

We would need information from you to create the documents please find the criteria we would need here.

Pre Qualification Questionnaire Guide (PQQ)

Pre-Qualification Questionnaire, also commonly know as a ‘PQQ’, is a questionnaire that companies (suppliers ) have to fill in when looking to tender for schemes they want to work on. PQQ are used when applying for an approved supplier list or when applying for most accreditation schemes. They are pro-dominantly used in the public sector, but can be used for private sector tenders too.

Filling out a Pre-Qualification Questionnaire for the public sector, is an important process as they are used as a way to standardise all suppliers and the information needed to make a decisions when appointing new contracts. As all information is standard the PQQ can help to make a short list easier as companies are able to look at information in the same format and detail.

PQQs are scored according to the answers that you give so you need to ensure they are well thought out and give the best impression you can give of your company and its capabilities.

What is asked in a PQQ?

Every PQQ you fill in is effectively your companies marketing tool, filling out the PQQ to the best of your ability will allow you to show that your company is the best choice.

In general, a PQQ will need information about your:

• Status
• Finances
• Quality Policy
• Environmental Policy
• Equal Opportunities Policy
• Health and Safety Policy

We provide help if needed to complete any PQQ you may have been given as well as advice in ensuring that you have all the information you may need for further Pre Qualification Questionnaires you get.

What are Toolbox talks and why do I have to do them?

Introduction

The definition of a Toolbox Talk – An informal meeting that focuses on Health & Safety topics related to a specific job that is on site, such as workplace hazards and safe work practices. These meetings are normally less than 10 minutes (kept short) and are normally conducted at the job site prior to the job or shift starting.

Why do i have to do them? – Toolbox talks are a quick way for you to communicate to all workers on a particular site, safety work practices that are applicable to them.

Where can you get them – You can download 70 toolbox talks free using this link

Importance of toolbox talks in the workplace

Toolbox talks are focused discussions about safety topics that provide valuable insights and practical guidance that can help prevent accidents and injuries on site.

Toolbox talks can significantly enhance the safety culture onsite when conducted regularly.

Understanding the purpose of toolbox talks

The primary purpose of toolbox talks is to enhance workplace safety through education and communication. The talks are designed to inform workers about potential hazards they may encounter while performing their duties.

Organisations can create a shared understanding of risks and the importance of adhering to safety protocols by engaging the site teams in conversations about safety. This collaborative approach helps to foster a culture where safety is everyone’s responsibility, leading to a more informed and vigilant workforce.

Key elements of a toolbox talk

The topics discussed directly relate to the tasks and hazards at the worksite. For example, if drainage trenches are to be excavated on site, the site supervisor can talk about the dangers, hazards, good practice and working close to deep excavations, to keep people safe.

Save time and download 70 toolbox talks

How to conduct a tool box talk

Conducting a tool box talk requires careful planning and execution to maximise its effectiveness.

Gather necessary materials to support the discussion, such as handouts, visual aids, or tools illustrating the subject matter. Being well-prepared allows the supervisor to engage with the audience confidently.

Next, choose an appropriate setting and time for the tool box talk. Selecting a location free from distractions is essential, allowing participants to focus on the discussion.

Creating a comfortable environment where employees feel comfortable sharing their thoughts and experiences will lead to a more productive conversation.

The supervisor should encourage open communication and interaction among participants during the talk. Start with a brief introduction of the topic, followed by an engaging discussion inviting workers’ input and questions.

Use real-life examples to illustrate points and encourage employees to share their experiences related to the topic.

Tips for creating engaging and interactive tool box talks

Creating engaging and interactive tool box talks is essential for maximising their effectiveness. One key tip is to incorporate multimedia elements into the discussions. Using videos, slideshows, or infographics

Incorporate real-life case studies, sharing stories of actual incidents, whether from your own experiences or from industry examples,

Consider incorporating hands-on activities or demonstrations into tool box talks. Engaging employees in practical exercises, such as proper lifting techniques or the correct way to use safety equipment, can reinforce learning and enhance retention.

Conclusion

Harnessing the power of tool box talks for a safer and more productive worksite

In conclusion, tool box talks are an invaluable tool for enhancing safety and productivity on any worksite.

By fostering open communication and engaging employees in discussions about potential hazards and best practices, organisations can create a culture of safety that resonates throughout the workforce.

Download your FREE 70 tool box talks today