What is CHAS Accreditation? (Simple Guide for UK Contractors)
Quick Answer
CHAS accreditation (Contractors Health and Safety Assessment Scheme) is a UK health and safety certification that proves a contractor meets recognised compliance standards.
It is widely used by public and private sector clients to assess whether a business is competent, safe, and suitable for work.
What CHAS Accreditation Means
CHAS is a pre-qualification scheme that evaluates your company’s:
- Health and safety policies
- Risk assessments and procedures
- Competence and training
- Overall compliance systems
In simple terms, CHAS shows clients you meet minimum safety standards and are ready to work.
To understand what’s involved in passing, see the full CHAS assessment criteria explained.
Background and Development
- Originally developed by local government health and safety professionals
- Supported by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE)
- Helped pioneer:
- SSIP (Safety Schemes in Procurement)
- Common Assessment Standard (CAS)
CHAS is now part of a wider framework used across the UK construction industry.
Who Owns CHAS?
- Originally administered by the London Borough of Merton
- Acquired by Veriforce in 2022
- Still operates as a recognised UK compliance scheme
Who Uses CHAS?
CHAS is used by:
- Local authorities
- Main contractors
- Housing providers
- Commercial organisations
It helps them shortlist safe and compliant contractors
How CHAS Accreditation Works
To become CHAS accredited:
- Submit an application
- Provide evidence of your health & safety systems
- Undergo an assessment
- Receive approval if compliant
Once approved:
- Your business is added to the CHAS database
- Clients can verify your accreditation
- Once approved, you’ll be recognised as a CHAS-accredited contractor.
Why CHAS is Important
CHAS helps contractors:
- Demonstrate competence and compliance
- Meet requirements under UK regulations such as CDM
- Avoid repeating multiple pre-qualification checks
- Win more work from clients who require SSIP
Common Pitfalls to Avoid
Many contractors struggle with:
- Missing documents
- Poor RAMS
- Outdated policies
- Incorrect insurance
CHAS and CDM Regulations
Under UK Construction (Design and Management) Regulations (CDM):
- Clients must appoint competent contractors
- CHAS is recognised as a scheme that helps demonstrate this competence
This makes CHAS a key part of legal and commercial compliance
Final Thought
CHAS accreditation is not just a certificate.
It’s proof that your business:
- Works safely
- Meets industry standards
- Is ready to deliver work professionally
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Frequently asked questions
What is CHAS accreditation?
CHAS accreditation (Contractors Health and Safety Assessment Scheme) is a UK certification that demonstrates a contractor meets recognised health and safety standards. It is used by clients to assess whether a business is competent and compliant before awarding work.
What does CHAS stand for?
CHAS stands for Contractors Health and Safety Assessment Scheme. It is a pre-qualification scheme used across the UK construction industry to verify health and safety compliance.
Who uses CHAS accreditation?
CHAS accreditation is used by local authorities, main contractors, housing associations and private sector organisations to shortlist contractors, suppliers and consultants who meet health and safety standards.
Why is CHAS important?
CHAS accreditation is important because it proves your business meets health and safety standards, helps you prequalify for work and reduces the need to complete multiple pre-qualification questionnaires. Many clients require it before allowing contractors to tender.
How does CHAS accreditation work?
To get CHAS accreditation, a business must submit an application and provide evidence of its health and safety systems. The submission is assessed, and if compliant, the company is approved and listed on the CHAS database for clients to verify.
Is CHAS part of SSIP?
Yes. CHAS is a founding member of SSIP (Safety Schemes in Procurement), which is a framework designed to standardise health and safety assessments and reduce duplication across the construction industry.
Who owns CHAS?
CHAS was originally developed by the local government and administered by the London Borough of Merton. It was acquired by Veriforce in 2022 and continues to operate as a recognised health and safety accreditation scheme.
Does CHAS accreditation prove competence under CDM regulations?
Yes. CHAS is recognised as a scheme that helps demonstrate contractor competence under the Construction (Design and Management) Regulations, which require clients to appoint competent contractors.
