Changes to CHAS
May 3 2024 10:51AM
Recent changes to The Contractors Health and Safety Assessment Scheme (CHAS) accreditation in the UK:
- Annual Assessments: CHAS has moved towards annual assessments for all levels of accreditation to maintain consistency and clarity between compliance and accreditation.
- Membership Packages: CHAS now offers three main membership packages:
- CHAS Standard: This entry-level option includes a health and safety assessment and SSIP accreditation, which is part of the Safety Schemes in Procurement (SSIP) Scheme.
- CHAS Advanced: This package helps contractors achieve SSIP and PAS 91 accreditation, allowing them to complete a single prequalification questionnaire (PQQ) system to demonstrate compliance and improve visibility with CHAS clients.
- CHAS Elite: The most comprehensive package, providing access to a set of risk assessments through the Common Assessment Standard accreditation, which is achieved by completing the CHAS Elite assessment.
Common Assessment Standard: Public sector contracting authorities must implement the changes in PPN 03/23 by the end of June 2024. Contractors wishing to work for public sector bodies or bid for new public sector contracts should hold Common Assessment Standard accreditation, which is achieved by completing the CHAS Elite assessment.
The CHAS Elite assessment is part of the Common Assessment Standard, which is the most comprehensive accreditation program offered by CHAS. It is designed to standardise the prequalification process for the construction industry in the UK.
What does the Elite assessment entail?
- 13 Areas of Risk Management: The CHAS Elite assessment covers 13 key areas of risk management, building on the areas assessed under PAR 91 prequalification questionnaire. This includes health and safety, environmental standards, financial stability, etc.
- Annual Compliance Evidence: To achieve certification, companies need to evidence their compliance in these areas once a year through CHAS’s online contractor portal.
- Streamlined Process: The assessment aims to reduce the need for multiple assessments by different bodies, saving time and resources for contractors. It is recognised industry wide as a comprehensive prequalification system.
- Benefits: Achieving the CHAS Elite accreditation can help construction companies demonstrate their commitment to risk management and compliance, prequalify for larger projects and tenders, and potentially work with public sector bodies.
The CHAS Elite assessment is particularly relevant for contractors aiming to work with public sector bodies or bid for new public sector contracts, especially since the implementation of PPN 03/232. It’s a significant step towards improving supply chain efficiency and reducing risks in the construction industry.
How can Arion help you?
As a company, Arion can help you to achieve these accreditations without the headaches that are often caused by some of the questions and standards that are needed. Our Health and Safety team will complete the accreditations on your behalf, working with you, to upload the correct information required to become registered as quick as possible.
If you are unsure as to which SSIP accreditation you should be working towards please phone our advisors on 01529 413347 as they will be able to talk you through each one, and together we will be able to make a suitable decision for the needs of your company.