How to Get CHAS Accreditation: Complete Guide (2026)
What is CHAS?
CHAS (The Contractors Health and Safety Assessment Scheme) is a UK accreditation that proves your business meets recognised health and safety standards. It is widely used in construction, facilities management, and public-sector procurement.
CHAS accreditation helps you:
- Win more tenders
- Demonstrate compliance with health and safety law
- Reduce contractor onboarding checks
- Build credibility with clients
- Align with CDM 2015 competency requirements
Quick Answer: How to Get CHAS Accreditation
To get CHAS, you must:
- Choose your CHAS level (CHAS Basic, CHAS Advanced, or CHAS Elite).
- Register your business on the CHAS portal.
- Upload evidence of your health and safety management systems.
- Provide policies, training records, insurance, RAMS, and competence documentation.
- Wait for CHAS assessors to review your application.
- Respond to any improvement requests.
- Receive your certificate and listing once approved.
CHAS Accreditation Levels (2026)
1. CHAS Basic (Core H&S)
Covers:
- Health & safety policy
- Risk assessments & method statements
- Training & competence
- Accident reporting
- First aid
- Basic legal compliance
Suitable for small contractors or sole traders.
2. CHAS Advanced (PAS 91 Compliant)
Includes everything in Basic PLUS:
- Environmental management
- Quality management
- Equal opportunities
- Anti-bribery & corruption
- Financial standing
Often required in public-sector tenders.
3. CHAS Elite (SSIP + Common Assessment Standard)
Highest level — covers:
- Health & safety
- Quality
- Environmental
- Financial
- Sustainability
- GDPR/data protection
- Modern slavery & corporate responsibility
Often required for major contractors, councils, housing associations.
Step-by-Step: How to Get CHAS Accreditation
Step 1 — Choose Your CHAS Level
The level you need depends on the clients you want to work with.
Construction companies usually require:
- Basic for subcontractors
- Advanced or Elite for principal contractors or tender-heavy work
Step 2 — Register on the CHAS Portal
Go to the CHAS portal and create an account.
You’ll enter:
- Company name
- Address
- SIC code
- Number of employees
- Sector (construction, electrical, plumbing, etc.)
Step 3 — Gather Your Evidence
This is the most important part.
Required Documents for CHAS Basic
You must upload:
- Health & Safety Policy (signed & dated)
- Risk Assessments
- Method Statements
- COSHH assessments (if relevant)
- Accident/incident reporting process
- Training certificates (CSCS, asbestos awareness, manual handling, etc.)
- Proof of competence for workers
- Subcontractor management process
- Insurance documents (EL/PL)
Additional Documents for CHAS Advanced
- Environmental Policy
- Waste management
- Equality & Diversity Policy
- Quality Policy
- Anti-bribery Policy
Additional Documents for CHAS Elite
- GDPR processes
- Modern slavery statement
- Corporate social responsibility policy
- Supply chain compliance processes
Step 4 — Upload Everything to the Portal
CHAS guides you section by section.
You will tick off each compliance requirement as you upload evidence.
Step 5 — Assessment Begins
A CHAS assessor reviews your documents for compliance with:
- HSE requirements
- CDM 2015 duties
- SSIP standards
- PAS 91 (Advanced)
- CAS standard (Elite)
Typical review time: 3–10 days
Step 6 — Respond to Any Actions
If something is missing or incorrect, CHAS will send an “Action Request.”
Most common reasons for rejection:
❌ Out-of-date H&S policy
❌ Missing risk assessments
❌ Insurance expired
❌ No evidence of training
❌ No subcontractor management system
Once you fix the issues, resubmit.
Step 7 — Receive Your CHAS Certificate
Once approved you get:
- Certificate (PDF)
- Digital logo for your website
- Listing on the CHAS contractor search
CHAS is valid for 12 months.
FAQs
How long does CHAS accreditation take?
3–10 working days for assessment, depending on the level and completeness of documents.
How much does CHAS accreditation assessment cost?
Fees vary by company size and accreditation level, typically from £429
Do sole traders need CHAS?
Yes — many main contractors now require CHAS Basic as a minimum.
Is CHAS mandatory?
Not legally, but many clients require it as proof of health and safety competence.
Does CHAS meet SSIP requirements?
Yes — CHAS is a founding member of SSIP.
