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What is SafeContractor?

Insight by

amanda

Amanda Lambert

Published on

11 January 2022

Health and safety blog

SafeContractor Accreditation: What It Is & How to Get Approved

Everything contractors, trades, and construction businesses need to know

What Is SafeContractor?

SafeContractor is one of the UK’s leading health & safety accreditation schemes, operated by Alcumus. It provides independent verification that your business meets essential health & safety, risk management, and compliance standards.

For construction companies, subcontractors, and trades, SafeContractor is often required by:

  • Principal contractors
  • Facilities management companies
  • Local authorities
  • Developers
  • Public sector buyers

It helps clients confirm that you operate safely, legally, and professionally.

Why SafeContractor Accreditation Matters

Safe Contractor is more than a badge—it’s a competitive advantage.

1. Win More Work with Bigger Clients

Many large companies only work with contractors who are Safe Contractor approved. Accreditation instantly elevates your credibility.

2. Shows You Take Health & Safety Seriously

Your policies, procedures, and training records are independently checked—giving buyers confidence in your competence.

3. Reduces Repetitive Paperwork

Instead of completing multiple PQQs for every tender, Safe Contractor acts as a pre-qualification shortcut, saving valuable admin time.

4. Proves Legal Compliance

Safe Contractor aligns with UK legislation such as:

  • The Health and Safety at Work Act
  • Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations
  • CDM Regulations

This shows your business understands and manages risk properly.

5. Enhances Your Reputation

Displaying the Safe Contractor logo instantly reassures clients and partners that your business meets high safety standards.

Get Started Today

What SafeContractor Checks (Accreditation Requirements)

When you apply, Safe Contractor reviews your:

Health & Safety Documentation

  • Health & safety policy
  • Risk assessments & method statements (RAMS)
  • COSHH assessments
  • Accident/incident reporting procedures

Training & Competence

  • CSCS/CPCS qualifications
  • Toolbox talks
  • Staff induction processes
  • Evidence of ongoing training

Insurance

  • Public liability
  • Employer’s liability
  • Professional indemnity (if required)

Management Systems

  • Safety arrangements
  • Site management systems
  • Contractor control
  • Equipment inspection records

Environmental & Ethical Standards (for SafePQQ)

  • Environmental policy
  • Modern slavery
  • Anti-bribery
  • Equality & diversity

How to Get SafeContractor Accreditation (Step-by-Step)

Step 1: Register Online

Create your Safe Contractor account and select your membership level.

Step 2: Complete the Questionnaire

Provide business details, trade categories, and scope of works.

Step 3: Upload the Required Documents

Submit your policies, training records, RAMS, insurance, and evidence.

Step 4: Assessment Review

SafeContractor auditors review your submission and may request more information.

Step 5: Approval & Certification

Once approved, you receive:

  • Your digital certificate
  • SafeContractor logo for marketing
  • Listing in the SafeContractor online directory

Accreditation lasts 12 months.

Common Reasons Safe Contractor Applications Fail

Avoid these frequent issues:

❌ Out-of-date policies
❌ Missing training certificates
❌ No recent RAMS
❌ Insurance not uploaded correctly
❌ Missing evidence of safety arrangements
❌ Incomplete questionnaire sections

Fixing these before submission dramatically improves success.

SafeContractor vs. Other Accreditation Schemes

Scheme Focus Best For
SafeContractor Health & safety & PQQ Contractors, FM, engineering
CHAS Safety & compliance Construction businesses
Constructionline Supply chain verification Contractors needing PAS91 compliance
SMAS Worksafe Health & safety Trades & subcontractors

 

Many companies hold multiple accreditations to maximise opportunities.

Conclusion: Is SafeContractor Worth It?

Absolutely. SafeContractor accreditation helps you:

✔ Win more work
✔ Prove you’re safe and compliant
✔ Reduce tendering admin
✔ Build trust with major clients
✔ Strengthen your brand reputation

If you operate in the construction or FM sector, Safe Contractor is a powerful asset for your business in 2025.

Get Started TODAY

  • Documents completed in 5 days
  • Fixed Fee
  • No fuss
Get Started Today
shape What is SMAS accreditation?

SafeContractor and Constructionline Membership Advantages

Insight by

amanda

Amanda Lambert

Published on

25 June 2019

Constructionline

Being Members of SafeContractor and Constructionline: What It Means for Clients and Contractors

Being members of SafeContractor and Constructionline means a business has been independently assessed against recognised UK standards for health and safety, compliance, and organisational competence.

Both schemes are widely used across the construction and built-environment sector to help clients verify that contractors meet expected safety and procurement requirements.

Why SafeContractor and Constructionline Matter

Many organisations now require contractors to hold both SafeContractor and Constructionline membership as part of their supplier approval process.

Together, they provide:

  • Independent verification of health and safety systems
  • Confidence for clients and procurement teams
  • Reduced risk when appointing contractors
  • Streamlined tender and onboarding processes

Being members of both schemes demonstrates a proactive and professional approach to compliance.

What SafeContractor Membership Demonstrates

SafeContractor focuses on health and safety competence and is SSIP-recognised.

Membership confirms that a contractor has:

  • A suitable health and safety policy
  • Effective risk assessments and method statements (RAMS)
  • Training and competence management in place
  • Accident reporting and monitoring procedures
  • Valid insurance cover

SafeContractor is often required for site access, frameworks, and ongoing contract work.

What Constructionline Membership Demonstrates

Constructionline is a pre-qualification and verification platform used extensively in public and private sector procurement.

Membership demonstrates that a business has been checked for:

  • Company and director verification
  • Financial standing
  • Health and safety competence (SSIP at Silver and Gold levels)
  • Insurance and compliance documentation
  • Environmental and quality management (Gold level)

Constructionline is commonly required by local authorities, housing associations, and Tier 1 contractors.

Why Clients Look for Both Accreditations

Being members of SafeContractor and Constructionline provides broader assurance than holding either scheme alone.

Together they:

  • Reduce duplication of PQQs
  • Provide confidence at both site and organisational level
  • Support public sector procurement requirements
  • Demonstrate consistency in safety management

For clients, this means lower risk and greater transparency.

Benefits for Contractors

For contractors, being members of SafeContractor and Constructionline helps to:

  • Win more work
  • Meet tender and framework requirements
  • Reduce repetitive assessments
  • Improve credibility with clients
  • Demonstrate ongoing compliance, not just one-off approval

Many contractors find both memberships essential for remaining competitive.

Maintaining Membership and Compliance

Membership of both schemes is not a one-time exercise.

Contractors must:

  • Renew annually
  • Keep policies and RAMS up to date
  • Maintain valid insurance
  • Update company details promptly

Failure to do so can result in suspension or loss of approval.

Summary

Being members of SafeContractor and Constructionline demonstrates that a contractor meets recognised UK health and safety, compliance, and procurement-readiness standards. Together, these accreditations provide clients with confidence and help contractors maintain eligibility for a wide range of work opportunities.

Get Accredited

  • Documents completed in 5 days
  • Fixed Fee
  • No fuss
Get Started Today
shape SafeContractor fees

SafePQQ

Insight by

amanda

Amanda Lambert

Published on

3 June 2019

Health and safety blog

The old Safe contractor Plus has been replaced with a new section called SafePQQ

What is SafePQQ?

SafePQQ is in addition to the Main SafeContractor Accreditation, the additional sections provide more information on your company online for your clients to be able to access It is available to purchase online and includes the common question sets defined within PAS91,

Contractors with an existing SafeContractor accreditation are eligible for SafePQQ.

  • The additional sections include:
  • Finance
  • Environment
  • Quality Management
  • Equality
  • Modern Slavery
  • Anti-bribery
  • GDPR
  • Right to Work
  • Building Information Modelling
  • References

SafePQQ is an online platform which has been set up to provide a way of verifying commitment to best practice, cost effectively and quickly, for businesses and contractors. SafePQQ collects and verifies information including financials, environmental management, quality management, equality, modern slavery, anti-bribery and GDPR.

Contractors sign up and submit their details once a year, giving businesses confidence that they have the most up to date information on their supply chain compliance and helping them make informed decisions on their procurement choices.

The new product also makes the procurement process more manageable for contractors, reducing the need for them to provide compliance information to various clients at different times to win new business opportunities.

The process can be difficult, however we can help you.

If you are looking for assistance with any of the sections we have template policies available or if you would like a more bespoke service please get in touch.

SafeContractor fees

Insight by

amanda

Amanda Lambert

Published on

1 November 2016

Health and safety blog

SafeContractor Joining Fees: Costs, What’s Included, and What to Expect

What Are SafeContractor Fees?

SafeContractor fees are the costs a business pays to apply for and gain SafeContractor accreditation for the first time. The fee covers the assessment of health and safety systems, verification of documents, and access to the SafeContractor platform.

SafeContractor is an SSIP-recognised accreditation scheme widely used across construction, maintenance, engineering, and facilities management sectors.

How Much Does SafeContractor Cost to Join?

SafeContractor joining fees typically vary depending on:

  • Business size
  • Number of employees
  • Type and risk level of work
  • Turnover band

For most small and medium-sized contractors, fees are usually a few hundred pounds per year. Larger or higher-risk businesses may pay more due to the increased assessment scope.

SafeContractor fees are normally annual, meaning renewal fees apply each year to maintain accreditation.

What is Your Joining FEE?

Joining fees change periodically. To get an accurate, up-to-date price, contact us, and we will calculate the total fee for you, including all unforeseen costs, such as employee training.

Get a price

What Does the SafeContractor Joining Fee Include?

The joining fee usually covers:

  • Initial health and safety assessment
  • Review of policies and procedures
  • Verification of risk assessments and method statements (RAMS)
  • Insurance checks
  • SSIP-aligned assessment outcome
  • Access to the SafeContractor online portal
  • Listing on the SafeContractor database

The fee does not usually include the creation of documents, which must be provided by the contractor.

Why SafeContractor Fees Vary

There is no single fixed joining fee because SafeContractor assesses businesses based on risk and complexity.

Factors influencing cost include:

  • Trade type (e.g. electrical, construction, maintenance)
  • Site activities and hazards
  • Use of subcontractors
  • Management systems already in place

Higher-risk activities typically require a more detailed review.

Is SafeContractor Worth the Cost?

For many contractors, SafeContractor accreditation is commercially essential rather than optional.

Benefits include:

  • Meeting client and tender requirements
  • Access to approved contractor lists
  • Reduced duplication of health and safety assessments
  • Improved credibility with clients
  • SSIP recognition

Many organisations will not engage contractors without a valid SafeContractor accreditation.

SafeContractor Joining Fees vs Ongoing Costs

It’s important to understand that the joining fee is only part of the overall commitment.

Contractors must also:

  • Keep policies and RAMS up to date
  • Maintain valid insurance
  • Renew accreditation annually
  • Respond to periodic review requests

Failure to maintain documentation can lead to suspension.

Reducing Delays and Extra Costs

Joining SafeContractor is quicker and more cost-effective when:

  • Health and safety documents are current
  • RAMS are trade-specific
  • Insurance certificates are valid
  • Business details are accurate

Using professional compliance support can reduce resubmissions and delays.

Summary

SafeContractor joining fees cover the assessment and verification of a contractor’s health and safety management systems. Costs vary based on business size and risk profile, but accreditation provides significant commercial and compliance benefits. Understanding what the fee includes and preparing documents in advance helps streamline the process.

Get Started TODAY

  • Documents completed in 5 days
  • Fixed Fee
  • No fuss
Get Started Today
shape SafeContractor fees

New Fast Track Safe Contractor Service

Insight by

amanda

Amanda Lambert

Published on

31 May 2016

Health and safety blog

New Fast Track Safe Contractor Service

Applying and renewing your Safe Contractor accreditation has never been easier. Safe Contractor have introduced a new fast track service to help to speed up the assessment of your application:

  • Standard turnaround – 4-6 weeks
  • Fast Track – 3-5 working days
  • Fast Track Premium – 2 working days

There are additional benefits to the new service as well as the response time, these are:

  • Dedicated support officer
  • Advice and Assistance
  • Priority audit and certificate
  • Partial Completion

What are the benefits?

The accreditation is a recognised in the industry and will save you time completing multiple pre-qualification questionnaires (PPQ’s) for your clients.

  • Compliance – The accreditation shows compliance with health & safety law.
  • More opportunities – More organisations will work with you.
  • Commercial benefits – Opens the door for bigger & better contracts.
  • Time and resources – Helps improve your business’ productivity.
  • Health & Safety Standards – Improve company health & safety practice.
  • Communication – A standardised process helps improve communication.

There are additional business benefits that can be found on their website.

Why apply for your Safe Contractor accreditation?

When you undertake your Safe Contractor registration, you will be demonstrating that you meet the recognised standards required by any organisation looking to employ you as a contractor. Having your Safe Contractor accreditation is almost certain to open more doors and lead to more opportunities – in turn generating more business and profit for you, ensuring your own workforce is protected by robust health and safety practices.

Ticking all the boxes to be Safe Contrctor approved

With over 20 years experience here at Seguro we can assist you from start to finish with the minimum amount of input from yourselves.

Our job is make sure that we provide you with the information and assistance to complete the submission and to ensure you can use the documents created moving forward.

The benefits of using Seguro for your Safe Contractor application

We have over 20 years experience in the industry and successfully complete over 500 applications every year.

  • Save time and money. We fill out all the forms for you.
  • Win more work. Many organisations require businesses to be registered.
  • Health & safety standards. Improve company health & safety practice.
  • Competitive edge. Stay ahead of your competitors.
  • Communication. A standardised process helps improve communication.
  • Freedom. Focus on your core business activities.

We can help you to complete all the paperwork needed as well as helping you to implement the process into your business moving forward.

There are associated costs involved, to find out the latest fees get in touch and we will give you all the insights you need to make a decision.

If you are unsure if Safe Contractor is what you need and would like some advice on which accreditation would be best for your company please get in touch and we will be happy to help.

SafeContractor Alcumus & SafeContractor Login

Insight by

amanda

Amanda Lambert

Published on

5 January 2016

Health and safety blog

SafeContractor Alcumus & SafeContractor Login: Complete Guide for Contractors

SafeContractor login – How to get accredited, manage your account, and stay compliant

What Is the SafeContractor Scheme?

The SafeContractor Scheme, operated by Alcumus, is one of the UK’s leading health & safety accreditation programmes. It provides independent verification that your business meets essential standards in:

  • Health & safety management

  • Competence and training

  • Insurance and risk control

  • Environmental and ethical practices (with SafePQQ)

For contractors, subcontractors, and service providers, SafeContractor is a powerful way to demonstrate compliance, meet client requirements, and win more work.

SafeContractor is widely used in sectors such as:

  • Construction

  • Facilities management

  • Engineering

  • Cleaning & maintenance

  • Manufacturing

  • Local authority and public sector

How can we help?

We can complete the application, gather all required documents and answers to questions, and compile all necessary evidence, allowing you to focus on your job. We are efficient, economical and have a 100% success rate.

Get your accreditation within a few days with zero pain!

Why SafeContractor Accreditation Matters

SafeContractor Alcumus accreditation benefits contractors in several ways:

1. Helps You Win More Work

Many principal contractors, FM companies, and large clients require SafeContractor as part of their onboarding and procurement process. Having it increases your chances during PQQs and tendering.

2. Reduces Repetitive Paperwork

SafeContractor acts as a verified pre-qualification, meaning you won’t need to complete lengthy safety questionnaires for each new contract.

3. Demonstrates Legal Compliance

The assessment aligns with key UK legislation including:

  • Health and Safety at Work Act

  • Management of Health & Safety Regulations

  • CDM Regulations

4. Builds Trust With Clients

Displaying the SafeContractor badge signals professionalism, competence, and strong safety culture.

5. Improves Your Safety Systems

The scheme encourages businesses to maintain up-to-date policies, RAMS, training records, and incident procedures.

What SafeContractor Assesses

To gain accreditation, companies must provide evidence of:

Health & Safety Documentation

  • H&S policy

  • Risk assessments (RAMS)

  • COSHH documents

  • Contractor control procedures

  • Workplace safety arrangements

Competence & Training

  • CSCS/CPCS proof

  • Certificates of training

  • Induction procedures

  • Toolbox talks

Insurance Requirements

  • Employer’s liability

  • Public liability

  • Professional indemnity (if required)

Environmental & Ethical Standards (SafePQQ)

  • Environmental policy

  • Equality & diversity

  • Anti-bribery

  • Modern slavery

How to Get SafeContractor Accreditation

Follow these steps to achieve approval:

Step 1 – Register Online

Visit the SafeContractor website and create an account.

Step 2 – Complete Your Company Profile

Provide details on:

  • Business activities

  • Trades and competencies

  • Employee numbers

  • Contact information

Step 3 – Upload Required Evidence

Submit your:

  • RAMS

  • Policies

  • Training records

  • Insurance certificates

  • Relevant compliance documents

Step 4 – Assessment Review

An Alcumus auditor reviews your documents and may request additional evidence (known as a “further information request”).

Step 5 – Approval & Certification

Once approved, you can access your:

  • SafeContractor certificate

  • Accreditation badge

  • Listing in the SafeContractor directory

Accreditation lasts for 12 months.

STOP THINK

There is a quick way to get your accreditation. We have a 100% success rate for completed accreditations and complete over 1,000 per year; we can do it for you. CALL 0800 031 5404 during office hours or complete the form on the link below:

Get your Accreditation within a few days with zero pain! From £300

How to Use the SafeContractor Login – Step-by-Step Guide

Once registered, you can manage everything from your SafeContractor portal.

1. Visit the SafeContractor Login Page

Go to the official SafeContractor Alcumus website and click “Login” at the top right.

2. Enter Your Email and Password

Use the credentials you created during registration.

3. Access Your Dashboard

From your dashboard, you can:

  • Upload documents

  • Respond to auditor requests

  • Renew your accreditation

  • Update insurance details

  • Download your certificate

  • Edit your business profile

4. Manage Accreditation Renewal

Renewals are handled through the same login area and typically require updated:

  • RAMS

  • Policies

  • Training certificates

  • Insurance documents

5. SafePQQ Login (Optional)

If you’re using SafePQQ for extended PQQ compliance, access it through the same portal.

Common Login Issues & How to Fix Them

Forgotten Password

Click “Forgot password?” to reset it via email.

Dashboard Locked

This may happen if documents are overdue—contact support or update your information.

Document Upload Errors

Ensure files are:

  • PDF or JPG

  • Under the allowed size

  • Clearly scanned

Accreditation Not Showing

This usually appears once the audit team completes their final review.

SafeContractor vs Other SSIP Schemes

Accreditation Focus Best For
SafeContractor Health & safety + PQQ Contractors wanting strong buyer recognition
CHAS Safety & compliance Construction sector
SMAS Health & safety Trades & subcontractors
Constructionline PAS91 compliance Larger contractors & supply chain

Many companies hold multiple SSIP accreditations for wider client acceptance.

Conclusion: Is SafeContractor Worth It?

Yes, it’s one of the most recognised and respected SafeContractor Alcumus accreditations in the UK. It helps businesses:

✔ Win more work
✔ Strengthen credibility
✔ Reduce paperwork
✔ Stay legally compliant
✔ Improve safety performance

If your business wants to grow in construction, facilities management, engineering, or the public sector, SafeContractor accreditation is a strategic investment.

Get your Accreditation within a few days with zero pain! from £300