Accreditation Support
Win more contracts with the right accreditations. Based in Stoke-on-Trent, we help contractors across the UK achieve and maintain the certifications that open doors.
Why Accreditations Matter
For many contracts, particularly in construction and the public sector, accreditation is the entry ticket. Without it, you cannot even bid for the work.
Accreditations demonstrate that your health and safety management has been independently assessed. They give clients confidence that you take compliance seriously and have the systems to back it up.
The Commercial Reality
- Tender requirements - Many clients will not consider unaccredited contractors
- Supply chain access - Principal contractors require accredited subcontractors
- Insurance benefits - Some insurers offer better terms to accredited businesses
- Competitive edge - Stand out from unaccredited competitors
Navigating the Options
Understanding the Landscape
The accreditation landscape can be confusing. Multiple schemes, overlapping requirements, and industry jargon make it hard to know what you actually need. Here is what matters.
- SSIP
- Safety Schemes in Procurement. A forum of health and safety assessment schemes that recognise each other's certifications. If you have one SSIP-member accreditation, you don't necessarily need another.
- CAS
- Common Assessment Standard. A more comprehensive assessment that covers supply chain, environmental, and quality management. Required for Constructionline Gold/Platinum, CHAS Elite, and increasingly for public sector contracts.
- PAS 91
- Publicly Available Specification for construction pre-qualification. A standardised questionnaire used in public sector procurement.
Key insight: SSIP schemes recognise each other. If a client asks for "SSIP accreditation" rather than a specific scheme, you can choose whichever suits you best. However, if they specifically require CHAS or Constructionline, you need that scheme.
Schemes We Support
Accreditation Schemes
We provide documentation and application support for the major accreditation schemes. Click through for detailed information on each.
Constructionline
UK government-backed pre-qualification scheme used by public and private sector buyers.
Levels: Bronze, Silver, Gold, Platinum
Best for: Public sector and large private contracts
Learn more
CHAS
The original health and safety assessment scheme, established in 1997 with SSIP mutual recognition.
Levels: Standard, Advanced, Elite
Best for: Broad contractor compliance
Learn more
SafeContractor
Health and safety pre-qualification with flexible service plans from self-service to fully managed.
Levels: Standard, Assisted, Express, Premier
Best for: Flexible support options
Learn more
FORS
Fleet Operator Recognition Scheme for transport and logistics operators, required by many construction sites.
Levels: Bronze, Silver, Gold
Best for: Delivery and logistics operators
Learn more
Decision Support
Which Accreditation Do You Need?
Not sure where to start? Here are common scenarios and our recommendations.
- "I work mainly for the public sector"
Constructionline Gold or Platinum (CAS compliant, government-backed)
View- "I need basic H&S pre-qualification quickly"
Any SSIP scheme at entry level (CHAS Standard, Constructionline Bronze, SafeContractor)
View- "My clients specifically request CHAS"
CHAS at the level they require (check if they need CAS/Elite)
View- "I operate vehicles delivering to construction sites"
FORS (separate from H&S schemes, often required alongside them)
View- "I need to meet the Common Assessment Standard"
Constructionline Gold, CHAS Elite, or SafeContractor with CAS
View
Not sure which applies to you? Get in touch and we will help you work out what you need.
Our Approach
How We Help
Based in Stoke-on-Trent, BPA Services Ltd has been providing health and safety consultancy since 1987. We have helped contractors achieve accreditations since these schemes began.
Our approach focuses on building robust H&S systems, not just ticking boxes. This means your documentation genuinely reflects how you operate, making assessments smoother and renewals easier.
- Gap Analysis
- We review your existing documentation against scheme requirements to identify what needs creating or updating.
- Documentation Creation
- Health and safety policies, risk assessments, method statements, and procedures that meet assessor expectations.
- Application Support
- Guidance through the application process, helping you present your evidence effectively.
- Ongoing Maintenance
- Support with annual renewals and keeping your documentation current as requirements evolve.
Frequently Asked Questions
Not sure which accreditation you need?
We will help you understand your requirements and recommend the most cost-effective route to compliance. No obligation, just straightforward advice.