SafeContractor Joining Fees: Costs, What’s Included, and What to Expect

What Are SafeContractor Fees?

SafeContractor fees are the costs a business pays to apply for and gain SafeContractor accreditation for the first time. The fee covers the assessment of health and safety systems, verification of documents, and access to the SafeContractor platform.

SafeContractor is an SSIP-recognised accreditation scheme widely used across construction, maintenance, engineering, and facilities management sectors.

How Much Does SafeContractor Cost to Join?

SafeContractor joining fees typically vary depending on:

• Business size
• Number of employees
• Type and risk level of work
• Turnover band

For most small and medium-sized contractors, fees are usually a few hundred pounds per year. Larger or higher-risk businesses may pay more due to the increased assessment scope.

SafeContractor fees are normally annual, meaning renewal fees apply each year to maintain accreditation.

What is Your Joining FEE?

Joining fees change periodically. To get an accurate, up-to-date price, contact us, and we will calculate the total fee for you, including all unforeseen costs, such as employee training.

What Does the SafeContractor Joining Fee Include?

The joining fee usually covers:

• Initial health and safety assessment
• Review of policies and procedures
• Verification of risk assessments and method statements (RAMS)
• Insurance checks
• SSIP-aligned assessment outcome
• Access to the SafeContractor online portal
• Listing on the SafeContractor database

The fee does not usually include the creation of documents, which must be provided by the contractor.

Why SafeContractor Fees Vary

There is no single fixed joining fee because SafeContractor assesses businesses based on risk and complexity.

Factors influencing cost include:

• Trade type (e.g. electrical, construction, maintenance)
• Site activities and hazards
• Use of subcontractors
• Management systems already in place

Higher-risk activities typically require a more detailed review.

Is SafeContractor Worth the Cost?

For many contractors, SafeContractor accreditation is commercially essential rather than optional.

Benefits include:

• Meeting client and tender requirements
• Access to approved contractor lists
• Reduced duplication of health and safety assessments
• Improved credibility with clients
• SSIP recognition

Many organisations will not engage contractors without a valid SafeContractor accreditation.

SafeContractor Joining Fees vs Ongoing Costs

It’s important to understand that the joining fee is only part of the overall commitment.

Contractors must also:

• Keep policies and RAMS up to date
• Maintain valid insurance
• Renew accreditation annually
• Respond to periodic review requests

Failure to maintain documentation can lead to suspension.

Reducing Delays and Extra Costs

Joining SafeContractor is quicker and more cost-effective when:

• Health and safety documents are current
• RAMS are trade-specific
• Insurance certificates are valid
• Business details are accurate

Using professional compliance support can reduce resubmissions and delays.

Summary

SafeContractor joining fees cover the assessment and verification of a contractor’s health and safety management systems. Costs vary based on business size and risk profile, but accreditation provides significant commercial and compliance benefits. Understanding what the fee includes and preparing documents in advance helps streamline the process.

CHAS deem to satisfy

The CHAS Deem to Satisfy (DtS) scheme allows contractors to apply for CHAS Standard membership without undergoing another health and safety assessment.

All member schemes listed on the SSIP forum adhere to the SSIP Core Criteria, backed by the Health and Safety Executive.

By mutually recognising each other’s schemes, suppliers benefit from only needing to complete one assessment, while buyers enjoy more efficient procurement processes. This approach reduces costs and has saved over £68 million since 2016.

Eligibility

Contractors must have already met the requirements of an assessment through another SSIP member scheme. 

Benefits

Contractors can save time and resources by avoiding a full assessment. They can also avoid paying full price for multiple accreditations. 

Process

Contractors can: 

1. Check if they have a qualification that CHAS recognises by contacting CHAS or using the e-form. 
2. Submit their assessment, which will be reviewed within 10 working days. 
3. Respond to any requests for additional information within the 2-week deadline. 

CHAS deem to satisfy registered members

Two-Way Deem to Satisfy between SSIP Registered Members.

Approval with a Registered Member can only be used to Deem to Satisfy with another Registered Member; it cannot be used to gain a Deem to Satisfy with a Certification Body Member.

Below is the list of registered members you can use for deem to satisfy:

3Core2 Certification Limited Trading As SafeArb SafeArb

Achilles Information Ltd Building Confidence

Alcumus SafeContractor Ltd Alcumus Safecontractor

Altius VA Limited CDMComply

Arboricultural Association ARB Approved Contractor

Association for Project Safety APS Corporate Practice Membership

Avetta Avetta Assessed

CHAS 2013 Ltd Contractors Health & Safety Scheme

Construction Safety Solutions PASS

CQMS Ltd CQMS Safety-Scheme

D W Health & Safety DW Health & Safety Contractor Competency Scheme

Fall Arrest Safety Equipment Training Ltd FASET Membership Audit

Fortius Ltd Acclaim Accreditation

Greenlight Safety Assessment Scheme Ltd Greenlight Safety Assessment Scheme

Hire Association Europe Ltd SafeHire Certification Scheme

International Powered Access Federation [IPAF] IPAF SSIP

MSL Property Care Services Ltd MSL Safepartner

National Access & Scaffolding Confederation Ltd NASC SSIP Audit

National Federation of Demolition Contractors NFDC Membership

PQS Pre-Qualification Scheme PQS Health & Safety Approved

Salus Certification Salus Certification

Safe-T-Cert [NI] {Construction Employers Federation} Safe-T-Cert

Safe-T-Cert [ROI] {Construction Industry Federation} Safe-T-Cert

Safety Management Advisory Services Ltd SMAS Worksafe

SSG Training and Consultancy Ltd SSG Assessed

William Martin Compliance Limited Prosure 360

Learn more about CHAS

We have a series of articles where you can learn more about CHAS. The list of articles is below:

• What is CHAS
• CHAS accreditations
• CHAS registration
• Guide to CHAS
• CHAS renewal
• CHAS accreditation cost
• SIPP accreditation and CHAS
• CHAS assessment criteria
• CHAS Training Guidance
• Competent person and CHAS
• CHAS support

If you have any questions on what is CHAS accreditation please get in touch.

Contractors working on domestic premises

Contractors working on domestic premises involves contractors building extensions, alterations, new heating systems, rewiring the house, repairing or reroofing premises, etc.

Although the domestic construction sector is not as scrutinised as the larger construction sector that the main contractor controls, they are just as important to the HSE as large projects.

The general public is very aware of health and safety as everyone is subject to it at work. Today, it is common for the general public to video and take images of poor health and safety practices and submit them to the HSE, which will inspect the site.

Domestic construction phase plan CDM

In this article, we will explain the domestic construction phase plan for CDM. Does your project require a CDM plan?

Domestic projects involving only you as a contractor

On these projects, the client’s duties are transferred to you, who must carry out the client’s duties as well as your own. In practice, this will involve you doing no more than they have done in the past to comply with health and safety legislation. Compliance with your own duties as a contractor will be taken as compliance with the relevant client duties to the extent necessary, given the risks involved in the project. As a result of you taking on the client duties, any designers involved in the project will work with you in their role as the ‘client’.

Domestic projects involving more than one contractor

For projects involving more than one contractor, the Principal Contractor will normally assume the client’s duties. The domestic client can choose to appoint the Principal Designer for the project. If, however, they do not make this appointment, the first Designer appointed during the pre-construction phase is the Principal Designer for the project. If so, the Principal Designer will be answerable to the Principal Contractor in their role as ‘Client’ for the project and will be responsible for liaising with them.

Buy a completed construction phase CDM plan

You can buy a completed construction phase CDM plan that is full editable, together with other site management documents, systems and tool.

Click on the link or image to buy.

SafeContractor Alcumus & SafeContractor Login: Complete Guide for Contractors

SafeContractor login – How to get accredited, manage your account, and stay compliant

What Is the SafeContractor Scheme?

The SafeContractor Scheme, operated by Alcumus, is one of the UK’s leading health & safety accreditation programmes. It provides independent verification that your business meets essential standards in:

• Health & safety management

• Competence and training

• Insurance and risk control

• Environmental and ethical practices (with SafePQQ)

For contractors, subcontractors, and service providers, SafeContractor is a powerful way to demonstrate compliance, meet client requirements, and win more work.

SafeContractor is widely used in sectors such as:

• Construction

• Facilities management

• Engineering

• Cleaning & maintenance

• Manufacturing

• Local authority and public sector

How can we help?

We can complete the application, gather all required documents and answers to questions, and compile all necessary evidence, allowing you to focus on your job. We are efficient, economical and have a 100% success rate.

Get your accreditation within a few days with zero pain!

Why SafeContractor Accreditation Matters

SafeContractor Alcumus accreditation benefits contractors in several ways:

1. Helps You Win More Work

Many principal contractors, FM companies, and large clients require SafeContractor as part of their onboarding and procurement process. Having it increases your chances during PQQs and tendering.

2. Reduces Repetitive Paperwork

SafeContractor acts as a verified pre-qualification, meaning you won’t need to complete lengthy safety questionnaires for each new contract.

3. Demonstrates Legal Compliance

The assessment aligns with key UK legislation including:

• Health and Safety at Work Act

• Management of Health & Safety Regulations

• CDM Regulations

4. Builds Trust With Clients

Displaying the SafeContractor badge signals professionalism, competence, and strong safety culture.

5. Improves Your Safety Systems

The scheme encourages businesses to maintain up-to-date policies, RAMS, training records, and incident procedures.

What SafeContractor Assesses

To gain accreditation, companies must provide evidence of:

Health & Safety Documentation

• H&S policy

• Risk assessments (RAMS)

• COSHH documents

• Contractor control procedures

• Workplace safety arrangements

Competence & Training

• CSCS/CPCS proof

• Certificates of training

• Induction procedures

• Toolbox talks

Insurance Requirements

• Employer’s liability

• Public liability

• Professional indemnity (if required)

Environmental & Ethical Standards (SafePQQ)

• Environmental policy

• Equality & diversity

• Anti-bribery

• Modern slavery

How to Get SafeContractor Accreditation

Follow these steps to achieve approval:

Step 1 – Register Online

Visit the SafeContractor website and create an account.

Step 2 – Complete Your Company Profile

Provide details on:

• Business activities

• Trades and competencies

• Employee numbers

• Contact information

Step 3 – Upload Required Evidence

Submit your:

• RAMS

• Policies

• Training records

• Insurance certificates

• Relevant compliance documents

Step 4 – Assessment Review

An Alcumus auditor reviews your documents and may request additional evidence (known as a “further information request”).

Step 5 – Approval & Certification

Once approved, you can access your:

• SafeContractor certificate

• Accreditation badge

• Listing in the SafeContractor directory

Accreditation lasts for 12 months.

STOP THINK

There is a quick way to get your accreditation. We have a 100% success rate for completed accreditations and complete over 1,000 per year; we can do it for you. CALL 0800 031 5404 during office hours or complete the form on the link below:

Get your Accreditation within a few days with zero pain! From £300

How to Use the SafeContractor Login – Step-by-Step Guide

Once registered, you can manage everything from your SafeContractor portal.

1. Visit the SafeContractor Login Page

Go to the official SafeContractor Alcumus website and click “Login” at the top right.

2. Enter Your Email and Password

Use the credentials you created during registration.

3. Access Your Dashboard

From your dashboard, you can:

• Upload documents

• Respond to auditor requests

• Renew your accreditation

• Update insurance details

• Download your certificate

• Edit your business profile

4. Manage Accreditation Renewal

Renewals are handled through the same login area and typically require updated:

• RAMS

• Policies

• Training certificates

• Insurance documents

5. SafePQQ Login (Optional)

If you’re using SafePQQ for extended PQQ compliance, access it through the same portal.

Common Login Issues & How to Fix Them

Forgotten Password

Click “Forgot password?” to reset it via email.

Dashboard Locked

This may happen if documents are overdue—contact support or update your information.

Document Upload Errors

Ensure files are:

• PDF or JPG

• Under the allowed size

• Clearly scanned

Accreditation Not Showing

This usually appears once the audit team completes their final review.

SafeContractor vs Other SSIP Schemes

Many companies hold multiple SSIP accreditations for wider client acceptance.

Conclusion: Is SafeContractor Worth It?

Yes, it’s one of the most recognised and respected SafeContractor Alcumus accreditations in the UK. It helps businesses:

✔ Win more work
✔ Strengthen credibility
✔ Reduce paperwork
✔ Stay legally compliant
✔ Improve safety performance

If your business wants to grow in construction, facilities management, engineering, or the public sector, SafeContractor accreditation is a strategic investment.

Get your Accreditation within a few days with zero pain! from £300

CHAS Accreditation Cost: Full Breakdown for UK Contractors

If you’re a contractor, builder, or maintenance company looking to get CHAS accredited, one of the first questions you’ll ask is:

“How much does CHAS accreditation cost?”

CHAS pricing varies depending on your business size, risk category, and which level of accreditation you choose (Standard, Advanced, or Elite). This guide breaks down all CHAS costs clearly, so you know exactly what to expect—no surprises.

Let’s get started.

Our CHAS accreditation cost article will give you all the information you need to make a decision, if CHAS is right for you.

The CHAS accreditation costs below are dated January 2025. Please get in touch with us for up-to-date costs if this article becomes out of date.

CHAS offers three membership packages with different levels of accreditation:

CHAS Standard

The entry-level package includes a health and safety assessment and SSIP accreditation. 

CHAS Advanced

The mid-range package includes all the Standard package benefits, plus helps you achieve SSIP and PAS 91 accreditation. 

CHAS Elite

The highest level of accreditation, which includes all the benefits of the other packages, plus access to the Common Assessment Standard 

The Common Assessment Standard covers 13 areas of risk management, including: 

1. Identity
2. Financial
3. Insurance
4. Corporate and professional standing
5. Health and Safety
6. Environmental management
7. Quality management
8. Equality
9. Corporate and professional standing
10. Information security
11. Information management
12. Anit-Bribery and corruption
13. Modern Slavery

While CHAS accreditation isn’t legally required, some clients may specify that it’s needed to work on their sites. It’s a common requirement for public sector and commercial contracts.

CHAS accreditation cost

CHAS has developed a membership-type offering that gives you the benefits described below. The cost of each type depends on how many people you employ. Costs per annum: You must renew the certification each year.

CHAS membership benefits include: 

• Free legal assistance
• Business Shield support
• A free 1-month CHAS RAMs trial
• Access to a jobs board
• Free resources
• Exclusive discounts

CHAS Standard

• 1 person £409 + VAT
• 2 to 4 people £459 + VAT
• 5 to 15 people £749 + VAT
• 31 to 50 people £1189 + VAT
• 102 to 200 people £2019 + VAT

CHAS Advanced

• 1 person £639 + VAT
• 2 to 4 people £739 + VAT
• 5 to 15 people £1,139 + VAT
• 31 to 50 people £1,859 + VAT
• 102 to 200 people £3,00 + VAT

CHAS Elite

• 1 person £879 + VAT
• 2 to 4 people £919 + VAT
• 5 to 15 people £1,339 + VAT
• 31 to 50 people £2,329 + VAT
• 102 to 200 people £3,679 + VAT

Let us help you save money CALL 0800 031 5404

We know how the system works and can help youy make the right decsions on your accreditation, saving you money.

How to Reduce CHAS Accreditation Costs

Here’s how contractors can save money:

★ 1. Let us help you

You may be paying too much, from a call we can easily give you some best value free advise.

★ 2. Prepare documents before applying

Avoid resubmission delays.

★ 3. Use a consultant to complete the application

Often cheaper than multiple failed attempts.

★ 4. Renew early

Late renewals sometimes incur admin costs.

★ 5. Keep training up to date

CHAS rejects expired certificates instantly.

★ 6. Choose the correct CHAS level

Many small contractors don’t need Advanced or Elite.

Get your CHAS or renewal within a few days with zero pain! from £300

Other CHAS accreditation Costs

Training

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

• Asbestos The Control of Asbestos Regulations
• Working at Height The Work at Height Regulations CHAS 2013 Ltd –
• 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

Competent person safety advisor

You must employ a competent safety advisor if you employ more than five people. If you are a large organisation, you may already have one. Employing a qualified safety advisor may be prohibitive if you are a small contractor.

We are the remote competent person safety advisor for over eight hundred companies. We can offer this service to you for a fraction of the cost.

Cost Savings

An alternative SSIP accreditation that saves you cost

The other popular SSIP accreditation suppliers are:

• PQS
• Construction line
• Safe Contractor
• SMAS
• CQMA
• Builders profile
• Evetta

The costs for a PQS accreditation, for example, are:

• Deem to satisfy £49 + VAT
• 1 person £99 + VAT
• 2 to 4 people £119 + VAT
• over 5 people £149 + VAT

As you can see, the cost is a fraction of the cost of CHAS. Why, you may ask. CHAS was a government project; in recent years, several corporations have bought it out. Costs have risen each time it has been taken over.

CHAS and all the other accreditation suppliers operate under the SSIP umbrella and comply with the SSIP standard. This means the accreditation and applications are all the same.

You can obtain a CHAS certificate with PQS accreditation with the deemed to satisfy system. This can save you a lot of money.

Let us help you make the right selection and save you money CALL 0800 031 5404

Get your CHAS renewal within a few days with zero pain! from £300

CHAS or other SIPP cost calculation

The best way to calculate the full cost of your CHAS/SIPP accreditation is to tell us about your business, and we can give you a full breakdown of costs from the information you provide.

We carry out over five hundred CHAS and other SIPP accreditations annually. We have the skills, prepared documents, and know how to get you accredited with the minimum of fuss and fast. We can turn around an accreditation within five days, subject to having all the information from you.

Learn more about CHAS

We have a series of articles where you can learn more about CHAS. The list of articles is below:

• What is CHAS
• CHAS accreditations
• CHAS registration
• Guide to CHAS
• CHAS renewal
• SIPP accreditation and CHAS
• CHAS assessment criteria
• CHAS deem to satisfy
• CHAS Training Guidance
• Competent person and CHAS
• CHAS support