What is CHAS?
The Contractor’s Health and Safety Assessment Scheme (CHAS) is the UK’s leading provider of risk and compliance management services. CHAS has been operating since 1997, helping contractors and clients stay compliant with health and safety laws and regulations.
CHAS was created to ensure workers remain safe in the workplace. A CHAS accreditation means businesses are more likely to remain compliant with regulations, as well as increase visibility to potential customers.
With a CHAS accreditation, businesses get access to annual health and safety assessments, prequalification questionnaires, and full risk assessments depending on their level of membership.
They’re also founding members of the Common Assessment Standard and Safety Schemes in Procurement (SSIP), which are both recognised and backed by various UK bodies.
What Does CHAS Accreditation Mean?
A CHAS accreditation allows contractors to simplify their compliance and prequalification process through schemes like SSIP and the Common Assessment Standard. Depending on the level of membership, contractors can demonstrate compliance in up to 13 areas of risk management. These levels include:
- Standard: This is the lowest tier, giving you access to Social Value Assessments and allowing contractors to meet standard SSIP requirements.
- Advanced: Including the standard access, members in this tier can also meet the former PAS 91 standard, which was a standardised pre-qualification questionnaire before being withdrawn in 2023.
- Elite: The highest tier means contractors get the benefits of the standard and advanced memberships, but they can also meet public sector and Common Assessment Standard requirements. This is the most comprehensive membership, recognised industry-wide and boosting their authority across the sector.
A CHAS accreditation means contractors can demonstrate their compliance with industry standards, showing potential customers that their company’s safety policies, procedures, and risk management systems are up-to-date.
Contractors also get access to CHAS’s Risk Assessment Method Statements (RAMS), which are important health and safety documents that identify what’s needed before a job is carried out. These are incredibly important documents to support safe decision-making whilst boosting productivity and efficiency.
Businesses that have multiple members of staff will need Employer’s Liability Insurance, which CHAS offers for contractors and businesses. It is a legal requirement that CHAS assists with, allowing businesses to show that they prioritise the safety of their staff at all times.
Kenwood PLC’s CHAS Accreditation
Kenwood PLC is an approved contractor, holding a CHAS accreditation, and are officially registered on the SSIP Portal. With access to CHAS’ various assessments and schemes, our team is qualified and compliant with the latest UK health and safety regulations.
With a CHAS membership, we get access to the CHAS health and safety assessment, self-certified insurance module, and SSIP compliance. We complete this assessment yearly, keeping up with the latest industry standards and regulations to ensure our team works to high-quality industry standards.
Why It Matters for You as a Customer
Any work that we carry out for our customers is done with current CHAS standards in mind. Combined with our other accreditations, we take pride in delivering work to industry standards whilst prioritising the safety of our staff.
For homeowners, you get peace of mind that all our operatives work to health and safety best practice. Commercial clients, like property managers and landlords, can put their faith in us, knowing that CHAS is a common procurement requirement.
CHAS and Our Other Accreditations
Kenwood PLC also holds qualifications with other associations besides CHAS, including the Property Care Association (PCA), the British Wood Preserving and Damp-Proofing Association (BWPDA), and the Guarantee Protection Trust.
Property Care Association:
This is the primary trade body that serves as a quality benchmark for our work. This accreditation shows that our next-day surveys, diagnoses, and remediation work are done to industry standards.
British Wood Preserving and Damp-Proofing Association:
Despite forming into the PCA in 2003, Kenwood became a member of the BWPDA in 1999, pre-dating the merger. This association was once a founding body for the preservation of timber, preventing waste and improving existing structures.
Guarantee Protection Trust:
When you choose Kenwood, you have a 20-year guarantee on any work we conduct on your property. With the GPT, your guarantee remains valid and enforceable, even if the business were to cease trading. This ensures your remediation investment remains protected, especially where cost is concerned.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Kenwood PLC CHAS accredited?
Yes – Kenwood PLC holds a membership with CHAS, meaning that we’re assessed on a yearly basis to ensure we understand recent UK health and safety regulations.
What does CHAS stand for?
CHAS stands for Contractor’s Health and Safety Assessment Scheme.
Do I need a CHAS accredited contractor?
You’re not legally obligated to choose a CHAS-accredited contractor if you’re a homeowner seeking remediation treatment. However, it is recommended that you choose an accredited contractor who understands health and safety regulations for peace of mind.
Is CHAS the same as SSIP?
No – SSIP is not the same as CHAS. The SSIP is an organisation that sets UK health and safety assessment standards, whereas CHAS is a specific assessment body that accredits businesses against those regulations.
How do I verify a company’s CHAS registration?
You can verify a company’s CHAS accreditation by either visiting the SSIP Portal or the Veriforce CHAS Client Portal. You can also contact Kenwood PLC directly for a copy of our certificate and registration number.
