Directors health and safety responsibilities

Health and safety executive responsibilities are very important to understand as soon as you become a director

As a company director, you are responsible for the health, safety, and welfare of your employees and yourself.

Your company health and safety policy will detail your responsibilities.

As a director, your first job should be to review your company’s health and safety policy document and ensure you are happy with it.

If your company does not have one, don’t worry; we have pre-written health and safety policy documents you can buy, or we can write a bespoke one for you.

Legislation that covers the responsibilities of a director

The Health and Safety at Work, etc Act 1974

If a health and safety offence is committed and the cause is the neglect of a director, the person and the organisation can be prosecuted.

Directors can appoint an independent third party to carry out their health and safety duties. The third-party must be fully qualified and competent to carry out the tasks. Delegating does not absolve the responsibility of a director; for example, if the safety advisor required employees to be trained and the director refused and an accident happened, then the director will held to account.

Read the health and safety at work act 1974 To ensure you understand your full health and safety executive responsibilities

The Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999

All work activities are to manage risk. Once the risk or risks have been identified, the organisation must make arrangements to reduce or mitigate the risks.

This work takes the form of RAMS (Risk and Method Statements). The risk assessment identifies risks and examines ways to reduce them.

The method statement describes how the work is to be carried out and ensures that all PPE and other means to reduce the safety risk are included.

Please visit our risk and method statement shop. We have over 150 RAMS, some of which include 18 pages and 9,000 words, that you can buy very reasonably. The documents are in Word format, so you can adjust them to suit your project.

Corporate Manslaughter and Corporate Homicide Act 2007

Corporate manslaughter and corporate homicide are when an employee is killed at work, and the HSE find the responsibility for the death is due to failure to carry out the work by all H&S laws.

It is very difficult to defend a death at work. The courts tend to side with the employee rather than the employer.

Learn more about the corporate manslaughter and corporate homicide act 2007

https://webarchive.nationalarchives.gov.uk/ukgwa/+/http:/www.justice.gov.uk/docs/manslaughterhomicideact07.pdf

Failing to fulfil director health and safety responsibilities

When a director breaches health and safety legislation and causes harm, the sentences can lead to prison and unlimited fines. Over the past few years, post-COVID, many companies have gone into administration or liquidation due to directors failing to carry out their lawful duties. The HSE is increasingly looking at individuals rather than just the company.

Competent safety advisor

One way to help yourself is to have your own health and safety advisor. You can delegate all health and safety responsibilities to this third-party person. Your safety advisor will educate you on what you need to do to keep your business safe.

If an accident does occur on-site, and the company has all health and safety requirements up to date, the safety advisor will deal with HSE for you.

A safety advisor can save you time and money for a basic monthly fee.

Request a chat and find out more about our safety advisor service

CHAS Renewal & CHAS Login: Complete Guide for UK Contractors

If you’re a contractor or construction business using CHAS for your SSIP accreditation, you’ll need to keep your certification renewed every year. Many businesses lose work because their CHAS accreditation expires, usually because the renewal process isn’t started early enough or login issues delay the submission.

If you’re applying for the first time, follow our CHAS accreditation step-by-step guide.

This guide covers exactly how to:

• Let Seguro complete the CHAS renewal for you. For a very small fee, we can take the pain away.
• Log in to the CHAS portal
• Start your CHAS renewal application
• Upload required evidence
• Avoid common renewal failures
• Stay compliant and win more work

STOP THINK

There is a quick way to renew your CHAS. We renew over 1,000 CHAS applications 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 CHAS renewal within a few days with zero pain! from £300

CHAS renewal

You have to renew your CHAS accreditation every year.

The CHAS accreditation process reviews your company’s ability to perform your activities complying with Health & Safety every year.

Documentation is provided on recent jobs and processes you are working on at the time of application. As these could change within 12 months, CHAS has a process where each application is seen as new and lasts for 12 months.

CHAS assesses your Health & Safety, which is done remotely; you get access to an online portal once you have paid. Once everything is uploaded to the portal, you can submit it for approval.

The CHAS assessor will take up to 10 working days to reply to your submitted documentation with their findings.

Renewal costs

CHAS offers three membership packages with different levels of accreditation:

CHAS Standard

The entry-level package includes a health and safety assessment and SSIP accreditation. CHAS membership fees

CHAS Advanced

The mid-range package includes all the Standard package benefits, plus helps you achieve SSIP and PAS 91 accreditation. CHAS membership fees

CHAS Elite

The highest level of accreditation includes all the benefits of the other packages, plus access to the Common Assessment Standard. CHAS membership fees

How to renew your CHAS accreditation

To renew your CHAS membership, you can: 

1. Let Seguro do it for you or:
2. Log in to your MyCHAS portal
3. Review your current health and safety practices
4. Click Renew
5. Complete the renewal application
6. Pay the renewal fee
7. Submit your renewal application
8. Await the assessment results
9. Update your company records
10. Ongoing compliance depends on meeting the CHAS assessment criteria consistently.

If you can’t log in

Common issues:

• Wrong email linked to your CHAS account

• Password expired

• Account locked due to inactivity

• Renewal overdue

Fixes:

• Use “Forgot Password”

• Check the original registration email

• Contact CHAS support if your account is blocked

CHAS Renewal: What It Means

CHAS accreditation lasts for 12 months, after which you must renew to remain certified and visible to buyers.

A CHAS renewal involves:

• Updating your insurance documents

• Refreshing RAMS, policies, and training records

• Uploading evidence of compliance

• Completing the online assessment questionnaire

• Meeting any new CHAS requirements for that year

When to Start Your CHAS Renewal

CHAS recommends starting 6–8 weeks before your expiry date.

Why early renewal is essential:

• Insurance documents may need updating

• Training records may be outdated

• Missing documentation causes delays

• You risk losing tenders if your certificate lapses

Documents You Need for CHAS Renewal

Most contractors will need:

Mandatory

• Employers’ Liability Certificate

• Public Liability Certificate

• Health & Safety Policy

• Risk Assessments & Method Statements (RAMS)

• Training certificates (CSCS, CITB, Asbestos Awareness, etc.)

Depending on your work

• PUWER / LOLER evidence

• COSHH assessments

• SSOW (Safe Systems of Work)

• Subcontractor approval process

• First aid training

If anything expired since your last CHAS assessment, you must replace it before renewal.

Common CHAS Renewal Mistakes

Most renewals fail because of:

❌ Outdated insurance
❌ Missing RAMS
❌ No training evidence
❌ No subcontractor vetting system
❌ Outdated policies
❌ Not addressing changes in legislation

Fix these early, and your renewal will be smooth.

How to Make CHAS Renewal Easy

Many contractors outsource CHAS renewals because the documentation can be time-consuming. A consultant can help with:

• Completing the online assessment

• Uploading compliant evidence

• Creating missing documents

• Fixing non-conformities

• Managing the entire renewal on your behalf

If you struggle with CHAS, outsourcing saves time and prevents failed submissions.

Why CHAS Renewal Matters

Renewing CHAS accreditation helps you:

• Stay compliant with UK health & safety law
• Win more tenders
• Stay active on buyer platforms
• Build trust with clients
• Demonstrate competence and professionalism

If your CHAS expires, many contractors will no longer be eligible to work on certain sites.

Need Help With CHAS Renewal?

If you want fast, stress free CHAS renewal assistance, we can generate:

✔️ CHAS-ready RAMS
✔️ Updated safety policies
✔️ Subcontractor procedures
✔️ Compliance documents
✔️ Renewal checklists
✔️ CHAS explainer videos or PPTs
✔️ Lost your CHAS login

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

MyCHAS Portal

You can use the MyCHAS portal to: 

• Manage your profile
• Monitor your accreditations
• Access exclusive benefits
• Upload supporting documentation
• Access accreditation documents and assessments
• Complete assessments and get feedback
• Update accreditation progress and download certificates

You should receive a renewal invitation email about four weeks before your membership expires. Use your CHAS login detail to start the process.

Related CHAS Guides

• If you’re applying for the first time, follow our CHAS accreditation step-by-step guide.
• Ongoing compliance depends on meeting the CHAS assessment criteria consistently.
• Our CHAS support service can manage your renewal for you.

Frequently asked questions

Do you have to renew CHAS every year?

CHAS accreditation lasts for 12 months, so contractors must renew it every year to remain certified and visible to buyers.

When should I start my CHAS renewal?

You should start your CHAS renewal around 6 to 8 weeks before your expiry date. This gives you time to update insurance, training records, RAMS, policies and any other evidence before submission.

How do I renew my CHAS accreditation?

To renew CHAS, log in to your MyCHAS portal, review your current health and safety documents, complete the renewal application, pay the renewal fee, upload your evidence and submit the assessment for review.

What documents do I need for CHAS renewal?

Most contractors need updated insurance certificates, a health and safety policy, risk assessments, method statements, training certificates, accident reporting arrangements and evidence of safe working procedures. CHAS requirement checklist.

How long does CHAS renewal take?

Once your CHAS renewal has been submitted, the assessor can take up to 10 working days to review your documents and provide feedback or approval.

What happens if my CHAS accreditation expires?

If your CHAS accreditation expires, you may no longer be visible to buyers or eligible to work for clients who require current SSIP certification. This can delay tenders, site access and contract awards.

Why do CHAS renewals fail?

CHAS renewals often fail due to expired insurance, missing RAMS, outdated policies, insufficient training evidence, poor subcontractor procedures, or failure to address updated health and safety requirements.

Can someone complete my CHAS renewal for me?

Yes. Seguro can manage the renewal process for you by reviewing your documents, completing the online assessment, uploading evidence and responding to assessor queries.

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.

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.

The Common Assessment Standard CAS

For pre-qualification in public sector projects exceeding £5,337,000,000, the Common Assessment Standard CAS is now the preferred method.

The new “Common Assessment Standard” is being introduced as a new way to reduce the number of accreditation’s SME suppliers in the construction industry need to gain in order to comply with Health & Safety in the industry.

The Common Assessment Standard CAS will initially be available through CHAS, ConstructionLine and Achilles. The idea is that the other major providers will then join in the scheme.

The assessment process for CAS is likely to require additional and more robust information than the current health and safety requirements already in place for the three providers. There will also be a price increase for assessment fees but will work out more cost effective if you are in the position where you need more than one accreditation to work with your clients.

The new Common Assessment Standard CAS will contain 248 questions, covering your companies’ health and safety, financial health, environmental performance and corporate and social responsibility.

This is in comparison to the 190 questions already being asked at the moment.

We will keep you updated with the latest information on release dates and how we can help you, in the meantime if we can help you with anything please call on 0800 031 5404 during office hours.

Get SSIP Accredited to access the work

If you are looking to access public sector projects you will need to have a SSIP accreditation for example CHAS, Construction line or PQS. There are over thirty SSIP accreditation bodies and it can be tricky to select the right one for your business.

We can help you select the right provider for your sector and budget.

Complete the form on this link or call 0800 031 5404 during office hours.

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.

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.