SSIP Certification: Expert Help for CHAS, Constructionline & SafeContractor Accreditation

Health and safety compliancy, beat the competition, SSIP certification, Safety Scheme in Procurement, CHAS, Constructionline, SafeContractor

For many businesses, achieving SSIP (Safety Scheme in Procurement) certification, including well-known accreditations like CHAS, Constructionline and SafeContractor, is a key step in building credibility and trust with clients. Whether you are a small business or a growing company, these certifications open doors to new opportunities, giving you a competitive edge. But how do you navigate the complex process of achieving and maintaining them? That is where our expertise comes in.

What is SSIP Certification?

SSIP stands for Safety Scheme in Procurement, a set of standards created to help businesses demonstrate their commitment to health and safety. The certifications offered by CHAS, Constructionline and SafeContractor are widely respected across industries. They show that your company meets rigorous health and safety requirements which clients and contractors are increasingly demanding.

But why do these accrediting bodies need strict documentation and procedures, especially for smaller companies? The truth is, the criteria are the same regardless of your company size. Whether you are a small business with fewer than 5 employees or a larger contractor, you need to meet the same compliance standards. If you want to display their logos on your marketing materials, vehicles and social media, you must adhere to the same requirements as the larger companies. This can be a challenge for small businesses, but with the right guidance, the process becomes much more manageable.

How We Help You Achieve Certification

Our team provides expert guidance to help you navigate the SSIP accreditation process. We work directly with the accrediting bodies to ensure you understand the requirements and meet them quickly. Whether you are fully compliant, partly compliant or starting from scratch with little to no documentation in place, we are here to support you every step of the way.

We begin by asking you a few important questions:

• Why do you need the certification?
• Is it to join the ranks of companies already holding these accreditations, for self-satisfaction, to stand out from competitors, or to prove to your potential customers that they can trust you?

The answer is likely a combination of all of the above.

From there, we assess your current health and safety compliance and provide a clear roadmap to certification. In some cases, we can achieve your accreditation in as little as 1.5 months if your documentation and training are already in good order. However, if your company is starting from scratch or your health and safety compliance is not quite up to standard, the process may take 3 to 6 months, depending on the level of training and documentation needed.

Why the Process Can Take Time

The certification timeline depends on several factors:

1. Health and Safety Compliance: If you need to establish or update your health and safety practices, training (e.g. IOSH Managing Safely, Highfield Level 3, First Aid), or risk assessments, it can take a bit longer.
2. Level of Certification: Depending on the level you choose (e.g. Bronze, Silver, Gold or 1-Day Accreditation), the timeline for approval varies. Gold-standard certifications tend to have a quicker turnaround, while lower levels may take several weeks for approval.

We will help you decide the best option based on your current situation, the benefits of each certification, and the time you want to invest.

Addressing Common Questions

• “Why do I need to comply with the same criteria as large companies?” The SSIP process treats all companies equally, regardless of size. It ensures that your business is up to standard in terms of health and safety. Whether you are a small team or a large operation, you must meet the same criteria if you want the benefits of SSIP certification.
• “How do I save money on SSIP certifications?” One common mistake is purchasing a package from the accrediting body that claims to include help with documentation. While these packages may offer guidance, they do not write the risk assessments for you. We recommend consulting with an expert (like us) before making any decisions to avoid unnecessary expenses. We will guide you through the available packages, helping you choose the one that best fits your needs, saving you potentially thousands of pounds.

(There are a few costs involved in getting certified):

• Membership Costs: Each SSIP certification has an initial membership fee, which must be renewed annually.
• Our Services: Depending on your current compliance level, we offer various service packages: One-off assistance, ongoing support or annual renewal. We will discuss your needs and help you choose the best option for your business.

The Process of Getting Certified

Once you have selected your certification level and completed the required health and safety documentation, we upload everything for you. Here is what to expect:

• Gold Level Certification: This usually ensures a faster review process. The accrediting body’s assessor will review your documentation quickly, and we will work with you to rectify any issues in the shortest time possible.
• Lower Levels (e.g. Silver): The review process for lower-level certifications can take longer and additional back-and-forth with the assessor may be necessary as we resolve any issues.

We work closely with you to ensure everything is correct, making the process as smooth and quick as possible.

Why Choose Us?

We understand that the certification process can be overwhelming, especially for small businesses. Our job is to simplify it and provide expert advice every step of the way. By choosing us, you will save time, money and stress. With years of experience in helping businesses achieve SSIP certification, we ensure that your application is submitted correctly and we are here to support you throughout the entire journey.

Contact us today to discuss your certificaton needs and let us help you achieve success!