Do You Need to Be a CHAS Accredited Contractor?

If you’re self-employed or running a small construction business, a common question is:

“Do I actually need CHAS accreditation to work?”

The honest answer is: it depends on the type of work you do and who you work for.

Quick Answer

• Domestic work only? → No, not strictly required
• Working for contractors, councils, or commercial clients? → Yes, almost always required
• Want to win more contracts? → CHAS or SSIP is essential
• If you’re not accredited yet, start with our CHAS accreditation step-by-step guide.

Domestic Market

If you only work directly for homeowners:

• You are not legally required to have CHAS accreditation
• Most domestic clients won’t ask for it

However, don’t mistake this for no responsibility.

Under UK health and safety law, you still have a duty of care to:

• Yourself
• Anyone working with you
• Members of the public

If something goes wrong (accident, injury, unsafe work), you are still liable, with or without CHAS.

Bottom line: You can operate without CHAS in domestic work, but you still need proper safety systems in place.

Construction & Commercial Market

If you want to work in the wider construction industry:

CHAS (or equivalent) becomes essential.

Main contractors, developers, housing providers, and local authorities will almost always require:

• Proof of health & safety compliance
• A recognised accreditation standard
• Evidence before allowing you on-site

The most widely recognised scheme is:

• CHAS

But it’s part of a wider system called:

• Safety Schemes in Procurement

All SSIP schemes assess the same core criteria, including:

• Constructionline
• SMAS Worksafe
• SafeContractor

This means:

You don’t have to choose CHAS, but you must have an SSIP accreditation to compete.

Does Business Size Matter?

Yes, especially when it comes to compliance requirements.

Sole traders & businesses under 5 employees

• You still need health & safety systems
• You can get CHAS / SSIP accreditation
• You don’t legally need a full-time safety advisor

Businesses with 5+ employees (including subcontractors)

• You must have access to a competent health & safety advisor
• This is a legal requirement under:
  • Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999

Most small contractors meet this by using a retained (outsourced) competent person service

What Does CHAS Actually Assess?

CHAS (and all SSIP schemes) measure your business against core health & safety standards.

These include:

• Health & Safety Policy
• Access to Competent Advice
• Training and Competence
• Risk Assessments & Method Statements (RAMS)
• Monitoring, Audit & Review
• Workforce Engagement
• Accident Reporting & History
• Subcontractor Management
• Cooperation & Communication
• Welfare Provision
• Hazard Identification & Control

In simple terms, CHAS proves your business can work safely and professionally on construction projects.

Why Most Contractors Choose CHAS Anyway

Even if it’s not mandatory for your current work, many contractors get accredited because it:

• Opens doors to higher-value contracts
• Helps you pass pre-qualification questionnaires (PQQs)
• Builds trust with clients instantly
• Reduces repeated compliance checks

Final Verdict

• Domestic-only work? CHAS is optional, but safety compliance is not
• Construction or commercial work? CHAS or SSIP is effectively required
• Want to grow your business? Accreditation becomes a competitive advantage
• To stay compliant, it’s important to understand CHAS renewal requirements each year.

Simple Rule to Remember

No CHAS = limited opportunities
CHAS (or SSIP) = access to the real construction market

Need help maintaining your status? Our CHAS support service is here to help.

Frequently asked questions

Do I need to be a CHAS accredited contractor?

You do not normally need CHAS accreditation if you only work directly for domestic homeowners. However, if you want to work for main contractors, commercial clients, housing providers, developers or local authorities, CHAS or another SSIP accreditation is often required before you can start work.

Is CHAS a legal requirement?

CHAS accreditation itself is not a legal requirement. However, UK contractors still have legal duties to manage health and safety. CHAS helps demonstrate that your business has suitable health and safety arrangements in place.

Do domestic contractors need CHAS accreditation?

Domestic contractors are rarely asked by private homeowners for CHAS accreditation. However, they still have a duty of care to protect themselves, workers, subcontractors and members of the public from harm.

Do small contractors need CHAS accreditation?

Small contractors often need CHAS accreditation to work in the commercial construction market. Main contractors, local authorities and larger clients commonly require CHAS or another SSIP certificate before allowing subcontractors onto the site.

Can I use another SSIP scheme instead of CHAS?

Yes. CHAS is one SSIP accreditation provider, but other schemes, such as Constructionline, SafeContractor, SMAS, CQMS, and PQS, can also assess contractors against the same SSIP core criteria. The right choice depends on what your client or tender requires.

Do I need a competent health and safety advisor for CHAS?

If you employ five or more people, including subcontractors or self-employed workers under your control, you must have access to competent health and safety advice. Many small contractors meet this requirement by using an outsourced competent person service.

What does CHAS check?

CHAS checks whether your business has suitable health and safety arrangements. This includes your health and safety policy, competent advice, training records, risk assessments, method statements, accident reporting, workforce involvement, subcontractor management and welfare arrangements. Review the CHAS assessment criteria.

Why do main contractors ask for CHAS?

Main contractors use CHAS because they must control health and safety risks across their supply chains. CHAS gives them evidence that a subcontractor has been assessed against recognised SSIP health and safety standards.

Related CHAS Guides

• If you’re not accredited yet, start with our CHAS accreditation step-by-step guide.
• To stay compliant, it’s important to understand CHAS renewal requirements each year.
• Need help maintaining your status? Our CHAS support service is here to help.

CHAS Assessment Criteria (Explained for Contractors)

If you’re applying for CHAS, understanding the assessment criteria is key to passing the first time.

Quick Answer

• CHAS follows the same core criteria as all SSIP schemes
• You must show documented evidence, not just statements
• Most failures come from missing, outdated, or weak documents

CHAS sits under:

• SSIP (Safety Schemes in Procurement)

This means all SSIP schemes assess the same health & safety standards, reducing duplication across the construction industry.

Full CHAS Assessment Criteria

To achieve accreditation, your business is assessed against the following areas:

• Health & Safety Policy
• Arrangements (how safety is managed in practice)
• Occupational Health
• Behavioural Management
• Enforcement History
• Accident Reporting & Investigation
• Fleet Operations (if applicable)
• Competent Advice (corporate & construction)
• Drug & Alcohol Policy
• Training & Information
• Individual Qualifications & Experience
• Monitoring, Audit & Review
• Risk Assessments & Safe Systems of Work (RAMS)
• Workforce Involvement
• Cooperation & Coordination
• Welfare Provision
• Subcontractor Management
• Roles: Contractor / Principal Contractor / Designer
• To apply these correctly, follow our step-by-step guide to getting CHAS accreditation.

What CHAS Assessors Actually Look For

Here’s what matters in practice, not theory.

1. Health & Safety Policy

Your policy must:

• Be in the correct company name
• Be dated within the last 12 months
• Be signed by a director or a responsible person
• Clearly define roles and responsibilities

Learn more: How to structure your policy properly – How to Get CHAS Accreditation Step-by-Step

2. Arrangements (Your Safety Systems)

This is where many applications fail.

You must show working systems for:

• Accident reporting (including RIDDOR)
• Training and supervision
• Communication
• Risk assessments
• Monitoring and review
• Emergency procedures
• Asbestos awareness
• COVID-19 (where relevant)

Related guide: What Are Construction RAMS? A Simple Guide for UK Contractors

3. Occupational Health

You need evidence of:

• Awareness (toolbox talks, posters)
• Access to support for workers
• Training (e.g. mental health awareness)

4. Behavioural Management

CHAS expects:

• A documented behavioural safety approach
• Evidence that safe behaviours are promoted and monitored

5. Enforcement History

You must declare:

• Any HSE or Local Authority notices (last 5 years)
• Prosecutions (if any)
• Actions taken to prevent repeat issues

Important:
CHAS checks are independent, and non-disclosure can fail your application

6. Accident Reporting & Investigation

You need:

• A clear accident reporting procedure
• RIDDOR reporting systems
• 3 years of records, including:
  • Injuries
  • Dangerous occurrences
  • Occupational diseases
  • Incidents involving non-workers

Plus: evidence of corrective actions taken

Why Most CHAS Applications Fail

From experience, the biggest issues are:

• Outdated policies (over 12 months old)
• Missing RAMS
• No competent safety advisor
• Weak or generic documents
• No evidence (only statements)

Fix this early: Common Reasons CHAS Applications Fail (and How to Avoid Them)

How to Pass First Time

To succeed, your application must:

• Be complete
• Be current
• Be specific to your business
• Include clear supporting evidence

Simple Summary

CHAS is not about paperwork; it’s about proving your business can work safely. If you’re unsure where you might fall short, see the common reasons CHAS applications fail.

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 recurrence. 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:

• 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 recurrence.
• Records of any other accidents within the last three years, including the remedial actions to prevent a recurrence. 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. Chas assessment standards
• Deaths
• Specified Injuries
• Over 3 days incapacitated
• Over 7 days Incapacitated
• Injuries to non-workers
• Occupational Diseases
• Dangerous Occurrences
• Gas Incidents

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the CHAS assessment criteria?

The CHAS assessment criteria are the health and safety standards used to check whether a contractor has suitable policies, procedures and evidence in place. They cover areas such as health and safety policy, competent advice, training, RAMS, accident reporting, workforce involvement, welfare and subcontractor management. How to Get CHAS Accreditation Step-by-Step

Is CHAS assessment criteria the same as other SSIP schemes?

Yes. CHAS follows the SSIP core criteria, meaning it assesses contractors against the same recognised health and safety standards as other SSIP schemes. This helps reduce duplication when contractors are pre-qualified for work.

What documents are needed for a CHAS assessment?

Typical documents needed for a CHAS assessment include a health and safety policy, risk assessments, method statements, training records, insurance certificates, accident reporting procedures, competent advice details, monitoring records and evidence of workforce communication.

What should a CHAS health and safety policy include?

A CHAS health and safety policy should be in the correct company name, signed by a director or responsible person, dated within the last 12 months, and clearly explain health and safety responsibilities across the business.

What does CHAS check under accident reporting?

CHAS checks that the business has documented arrangements for recording, reporting and investigating accidents, including RIDDOR-reportable incidents. Contractors may also need to provide accident records and corrective actions for the previous three years.

Does CHAS check enforcement notices?

Yes. CHAS asks contractors to declare any HSE or Local Authority enforcement notices or prosecutions from the last five years. A notice does not automatically prevent accreditation, but failure to declare one may cause problems with the application

Why do CHAS applications fail?

CHAS applications often fail because documents are missing, outdated, generic or not specific to the business. Common issues include unsigned policies, inadequate advice, weak RAMS, missing training records, expired insurance, and poor accident reporting procedures. Common Reasons CHAS Applications Fail

Can someone complete my CHAS assessment for me?

Yes. Seguro is a CHAS accreditation consultant who can prepare the required documents, complete the online assessment, upload evidence and respond to assessor queries on behalf of your business. Need help preparing your documents? Our CHAS support service can assist.

Done For You CHAS Accreditation Support – Get Approved First Time

CHAS support to get CHAS accreditation and avoid delays, confusion, or rejection…

You’re not alone. Most contractors struggle because CHAS isn’t just about having documents; it’s about properly proving compliance.

That’s where we come in.

Quick Answer

Our done-for-you CHAS support service handles your entire application, from documents to approval, so you pass the first time without the stress.

Why Most CHAS Applications Fail

Before working with us, most clients have already tried to apply on their own.

Here’s what typically goes wrong:

❌ Generic or incomplete Health & Safety policies
❌ RAMS that don’t reflect real work
❌ Missing training and competency evidence
❌ Inconsistent information across documents
❌ Slow or incorrect responses to assessors

The result: Returned applications, delays, and lost work opportunities.

What Our CHAS Support Service Includes

We don’t just “help”, we handle the entire process.

1. Full Document Creation

We create everything required to meet CHAS standards:

• Health & Safety Policy (tailored to your business)
• Risk Assessments and Method Statements (RAMS)
• COSHH assessments (if required)
• Accident reporting procedures
• Training and competency records

No templates. Everything is built for your actual work.

2. Complete CHAS Application

We:

• Complete your CHAS submission
• Upload all documentation
• Ensure everything aligns with the CHAS assessment criteria

This is where most applications go wrong; we make sure yours doesn’t.

3. Assessor Query Management

Most applications get follow-up questions.

We handle:

• Additional evidence requests
• Document updates
• Assessor communication

Fast responses = faster approval.

4. Compliance Gap Fixing

Before submission, we identify and fix issues such as:

• Missing training records
• Weak RAMS
• Outdated policies
• Incorrect insurance

This is the difference between passing the first time and getting rejected.

How Fast Can You Get Approved?

With the right support:

Documents ready in as little as 5 working days
Most approvals within 1–2 weeks

Without support:

Applications can drag on for weeks or fail completely

How Much Does CHAS Support Cost?

The CHAS fee is typically:

£429 + VAT Standard level

But the real cost is:

• Time lost
• Failed submissions
• Delayed contracts

Our service saves you money by getting it right the first time.

Who This Is For

This service is ideal if:

✔ You’ve already been rejected
✔ You don’t have proper H&S documentation
✔ You don’t have time to deal with the process
✔ You need CHAS quickly to win wor

Not Sure Where You Are in the Process?

Start here:

• How to get CHAS accreditation step-by-step
  
• Common reasons CHAS applications fail
  
• CHAS assessment criteria explained

The Result You Get

✔ CHAS accreditation achieved
✔ Fully compliant documentation
✔ Confidence when dealing with clients
✔ Access to more contracts

This isn’t just about passing; it’s about being ready to take on new opportunities.

Client Feedback

AMS Contracting – Thank you for your assistance to date. We have received our certificate. Your help has been very much appreciated. Many thanks, Chris. 24th February 2026

Spinney Electrical – I would just like to thank you for all your help, patience & time. Finally!! Feeling relieved. Vicky 13th February 2025

Why Choose Seguro?

✔ 25+ years industry experience
✔ 100% success rate on CHAS applications (15+ years)
✔ 500+ applications completed every year
✔ Fixed fee — no hidden costs
✔ Fast turnaround

We act as your Competent Person, not just a consultant.

Get CHAS Approved First Time

Let us handle your CHAS application from start to finish.

• Speak to our team today
• Get your documents sorted
• Get approved fast

Frequently Asked Questions

What is CHAS support?

CHAS support is a Seguro service that helps contractors complete their CHAS accreditation by preparing documents, submitting the application and responding to assessor feedback to improve the chances of passing first time.

Do I need help with CHAS accreditation?

You can complete CHAS accreditation yourself, but many contractors choose Seguro support to save time and avoid mistakes. Help is especially useful if you are unfamiliar with health and safety requirements or have limited documentation.

What does CHAS support include?

Our CHAS support includes health and safety policy creation, RAMS preparation, training and insurance checks, completing the CHAS portal, uploading documents and managing assessor queries.

How long does CHAS accreditation take with support?

With professional support, most CHAS applications can be prepared and submitted within a few days, with assessment typically taking up to 10 working days, depending on the review process.

Why do CHAS applications fail without support?

CHAS applications often fail due to missing or outdated documents, weak risk assessments, inadequate advice, expired insurance, or insufficient training records. Support helps identify and fix these issues before submission.

Can a consultant complete my CHAS application for me?

Yes. A CHAS consultant, like Seguro, can manage the entire process, including preparing documents, completing the online application, uploading evidence, and responding to assessor feedback on your behalf.

Is CHAS support worth it?

CHAS support is often worth it for contractors who want to pass first time, reduce delays and focus on their business rather than managing complex health and safety documentation.

Do I need a competent health and safety advisor for CHAS?

If you employ five or more people, including subcontractors, you must have access to competent health and safety advice. Many contractors meet this requirement through outsourced CHAS support services.

Related CHAS Guides

• If you want to understand the process first, read our CHAS accreditation step-by-step guide.
• We help you meet the CHAS assessment criteria without delays or rework.
• You can also review the cost of applying for CHAS accreditation before getting started.

CHAS Training Guidance

You will be required to prove that your personnel have been trained and you have the correct training and procedures to show they are performing their jobs responsibly with Health & Safety.

The training requirements often differ depending on which sector you are in and the business size. CHAS has identified some set minimum criteria, and it is a good place to start for all companies.

To ensure compliance, follow our step-by-step guide to getting CHAS accreditation.

To comply with the standard, you may be required to train your personnel in the following courses if you have not already done so.

• General duties of employers and employees at work for health and safety Health & Safety at Work Etc. Act 1974
• Reporting of accidents, health issues and dangerous incidents The Reporting of Injuries, Diseases and Dangerous Occurrences Regulations
• Asbestos The Control of Asbestos Regulations
• Working at Height The Work at Height Regulations 
• First Aid The Health and Safety (First-Aid) Regulations
• Fire precautions The Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 and the Dangerous Substances and Explosive Atmospheres Regulations
• Noise and vibration The Control of Noise at Work Regulations (NAW Regs) and The Control of Vibration at Work Regulations
• Personal Protective Equipment Personal Protective Equipment at Work Regulations (PPE Regs)
• Substances hazardous to Health Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regs (COSHH)
• Electricity Electricity at Work Regs
• Manual handling Manual Handling Operations Regulations (MHO Regs)
• Work Equipment Provision and Use of Work Equipment (PUWE) Regs

CHAS will accept any training qualification provided it meets the content requirements and an organisation of suitable expertise has independently approved it. Training is a key part of the CHAS assessment criteria.

Such organisations include:

• Relevant Trade Associations, e.g. BESA, ECA
• Safety organisations, e.g. RoSPA, IOSH, IIRSM
• Government agencies, e.g. CITB
• Regulated training authorities, e.g. City & Guilds

Seguro health and safety training

We offer a vast array of health and safety e-learning courses at a fraction of the cost you’d expect; this e-learning has the added benefit of minimal productivity loss because it’s efficient and flexible.

You can try them for FREE.

Related CHAS Guides

• To ensure compliance, follow our step-by-step guide to getting CHAS accreditation.
• Training is a key part of the CHAS assessment criteria.
• If you’re unsure what’s required, see common reasons CHAS applications fail.
• Need help getting approved? Our CHAS support service handles the full process for you.

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.