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.

What Is PQS Accreditation? (UK Contractors Explained)

PQS accreditation stands for Pre-Qualification Scheme accreditation. It is used in the UK construction and services sectors to assess whether a contractor meets recognised standards for health & safety, insurance, financial stability, and legal compliance.

Many clients and principal contractors require the accreditation before allowing businesses to tender for work.

What Does PQS Mean?

A PQS accreditation confirms that a business has been independently assessed against industry-recognised criteria. It demonstrates that a contractor:

• Manages health and safety effectively
• Has appropriate insurance in place
• Is financially viable
• Meets legal and regulatory obligations

Instead of completing multiple PQQs, accredited contractors can use PQS as proof of compliance.

Who Needs PQS Accreditation?

The accreditation is commonly required for:

• Construction contractors and subcontractors
• Electrical, mechanical, and building services companies
• Maintenance and facilities management providers
• Businesses tendering for commercial or public sector work

For many buyers, PQS accreditation is a minimum entry requirement.

What Does The Accreditation Assess?

A PQS assessment typically reviews:

Health & Safety Management

• Health & Safety Policy
• Risk assessments and method statements (RAMS)
• Training and competence records
• Accident reporting procedures

Company and Financial Information

• Business structure and ownership
• Public and employers’ liability insurance
• Financial declarations or accounts

Compliance and Governance

• Legal compliance
• Modern slavery and equality policies (where applicable)
• Environmental considerations

How Long Does The Accreditation Last?

PQS accreditations are valid for 12 months and require annual renewal to ensure information remains current and compliant.

Benefits of the Accreditation

PQS accreditation helps contractors:

• Win more work
• Reduce repeated PQQ paperwork
• Demonstrate competence to buyers
• Meet procurement requirements quickly

For small contractors, it saves time and improves credibility.

Common Misunderstandings

• It is not optional for many contracts
• Generic policies are not sufficient
• Accreditation must be maintained, not just achieved

Conclusion

• PQS accreditation is a UK pre-qualification assessment

• It proves contractor competence and compliance

• Often required before tendering

• Covers health & safety, insurance and financial checks

• Typically renewed annually

Expert Advice

Choosing the right PQS scheme, and getting your documentation right first time, can be the difference between winning work and being delayed or rejected at the pre-qualification stage.

The first question most contractors ask is “how much does it cost?”

In many cases, PQS accreditation is significantly more cost-effective than other SSIP schemes such as CHAS, while meeting the same SSIP-recognised standards. All SSIP accreditations follow the same core criteria, so you’re not compromising on compliance.

PQS fees can vary, so rather than guessing, complete a short form and we’ll confirm the exact current cost for your business.

Click the button below.

SSIP Accreditation: What It Is & Why It Matters for Contractors Guide

What is SSIP? Everything construction businesses need to know about the pre-qualification and winning more opportunities.

What Is SSIP?

SSIP (Safety Schemes in Procurement) is the UK’s national umbrella organisation for health & safety assessment schemes.
Instead of completing multiple safety accreditations, SSIP allows businesses to gain recognition once and have it accepted by many different buyers.

SSIP includes well-known schemes such as:

• CHAS
• PQS
• Constructionline
• SafeContractor
• SMAS Worksafe

If a contractor holds a CHAS, Constructionline, or PQS-approved accreditation, clients can trust that their health & safety systems meet core standards.

Why The Accreditation Matters

SSIP is now one of the most important benchmarks for contractors, subcontractors, and trades in the UK. Here’s why:

1. Win More Work With Recognised Safety Standards

Major contractors, councils, FM companies, and developers increasingly require CHAS, Constructionline, and PQS as part of PQQ or onboarding.

2. Saves Time on Repetitive Safety Pre-Qualification

SSIP prevents businesses from having to complete multiple health & safety assessments for different clients—saving hours of admin every month.

3. Reduces Cost of Compliance

Instead of paying for several accreditations, one SSIP certificate is accepted by many buyers.

4. Demonstrates Legal Compliance

SSIP assessments align with UK safety laws including:

• Health and Safety at Work Act

• Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations

• CDM Regulations

This reassures clients that your company operates safely and competently.

5. Strengthens Your Brand & Credibility

Displaying an SSIP badge shows customers, inspectors, and project managers that you take safety seriously.

What Do The Assessors Check?

To gain accreditation through any approved scheme, your company must provide evidence of:

Health & Safety Management

• Up-to-date H&S policy
• Competent person support
• Safety arrangements
• Toolbox talks & site inductions

Risk Management

• Recent RAMS
• COSHH assessments
• Site-specific risk controls

Training & Competence

• CSCS/CPCS evidence
• Certificates of training
• Induction process

Incident & Reporting Systems

• Accident records
• RIDDOR procedures
• Near-miss processes

Insurance

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

When applying for enhanced schemes (e.g., SafePQQ), additional checks are conducted to assess environmental, quality, and social value standards.

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

Step 1: Choose a Scheme

Decide whether CHAS, SafeContractor, SMAS, or Constructionline best matches your business needs.

Step 2: Complete the Online Assessment

Provide your company details, trade activities, and scope of works.

Step 3: Upload Documentation

Submit your health & safety policy, RAMS, training records, and insurance certificates.

Step 4: Assessment Review

An SSIP auditor reviews everything and may request additional evidence.

Step 5: Receive Your Certificate

Once approved, your business is added to the national database and can display the SSIP badge.

Accreditation lasts 12 months and must be renewed annually.

Most Common Reasons Applications Fail

Avoid these issues to secure fast approval:

❌ Outdated or missing H&S policy
❌ No recent or adequate RAMS
❌ Missing staff training certificates
❌ Incomplete accident records
❌ Insurance out of date or incorrect
❌ Competent person details missing

Fixing these in advance boosts your first-time pass rate.

SSIP vs Non-SSIP Schemes

SSIP is designed to simplify compliance across the entire supply chain.

Is it Worth It for Contractors?

Absolutely. The Accreditation helps you:

✔ Win more work
✔ Reduce tendering admin
✔ Get recognised by major contractors
✔ Demonstrate health & safety competence
✔ Strengthen your professional image

If you want to grow in construction, FM, engineering, or local authority supply chains, SSIP is now an essential requirement—not just a “nice to have.”

Frequently Asked Questions

What does SSIP accreditation mean?

SSIP accreditation means your business has been assessed against recognised health and safety standards and can demonstrate that it has suitable policies, procedures, risk assessments and evidence of compliance in place.

Is CHAS an SSIP scheme?

Yes. CHAS is an SSIP member scheme. This means CHAS assesses contractors against the SSIP core health and safety criteria.

Which schemes are SSIP recognised?

Common SSIP recognised schemes include CHAS, SMAS, SafeContractor and Constructionline Acclaim. These schemes assess contractors against the SSIP core criteria.

Do contractors need SSIP accreditation?

Many UK contractors need SSIP accreditation because main contractors, local authorities and commercial clients often request it before allowing businesses to tender for work or start on site.

What documents are needed for the accreditation?

Typical documents include a Health and Safety Policy, risk assessments, method statements, training records, insurance certificates, accident reporting procedures and evidence of competent health and safety advice.

How long does the accreditation take?

The accreditation can often be completed within one to three weeks, depending on the scheme, the quality of your documents and whether the assessor asks for further evidence.

Can Seguro help with accreditations?

Yes. Seguro Health and Safety can help prepare your documents, complete your application, respond to assessor queries and support you through the accreditation process.

What Is Builders Profile?

Builders Profile is a UK construction compliance and pre-qualification platform used to assess and verify contractor competence. It allows contractors to upload evidence once and share it with multiple clients, reducing repeated PQQs and simplifying compliance.

It is widely used by principal contractors, house builders, and developers across the UK.

What Does Builders Profile Do?

It acts as a central compliance hub where contractors store and manage key business information, including:

• Health & safety documentation
• Insurance certificates
• Training and competence records
• Company and financial details
• Accreditation evidence

Clients can access this information directly, saving time for both parties.

Who Uses Builders Profile?

It is commonly used by:

• Construction contractors and subcontractors
• Trades working for house builders and developers
• Principal contractors managing supply chains
• Facilities management and maintenance companies

Many large contractors require suppliers to be registered on Builders Profile before onboarding.

Is Builders Profile an Accreditation?

No. It is not an accreditation like CHAS, SMAS, or Constructionline.

Instead, it is a compliance and verification platform that may host evidence of your accreditations, helping clients review your compliance in one place.

What Information Is Assessed on Your Profile?

While the Profile itself does not certify you, it typically reviews and verifies:

• Health & Safety policies and procedures
• Risk assessments and method statements (RAMS)
• Training records (e.g. CSCS, trade qualifications)
• Insurance and company information
• Modern slavery, equality, and environmental policies

Benefits of Using Builders Profile

Your Profile helps contractors:

• Reduce repeated PQQ submissions
• Speed up supplier onboarding
• Improve visibility with clients
• Demonstrate compliance efficiently
• Manage documents in one central system

How Long Does Builders Profile Registration Last?

Registration is usually annual, with ongoing updates required to keep documents current and visible to clients.

Summary

• Builders Profile is a UK construction compliance platform
• Used to store and share contractor information
• Not an accreditation or SSIP scheme
• Reduces repeated PQQs
• Widely used by principal contractors and house builders

Expert Insight

Your Profile works best when combined with recognised accreditations such as CHAS, SMAS, Constructionline or CQMS, ensuring your compliance evidence meets buyer expectations.