JMF Group is proud to have been awarded both CHAS and Constructionline Gold certificates.
This is a huge achievement for our team, as CHAS (the Contractors Health and Safety Assessment Scheme), were key to developing the core criteria held in the Approved Code of Practice—which supported the Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 2007 (now recognised as CDM 2015)—as well as acting as a founding member of SSIP (Safety Schemes in Procurement).
Construction Line Gold membership validates JMF’s company credentials for environmental management, quality management, equal opportunities, modern slavery act adherence, and anti-bribery and corruption policies. Some of these policies form part of the Cabinet Office Selection Questionnaire (SQ), with which the public sector is expected to comply.
For more information on CHAS and Constructionline, and the vital work they do, keep reading.
CHAS
Who Are They?
CHAS are dedicated to improving standards in the health and safety of contractors. By working with both suppliers and purchasers, CHAS help organisations save time, money, and resources—while also helping to protect employees, customers, and the general public from harm.
What Do They Do?
For a contractor to gain CHAS accreditation, they must first pass a rigorous and lengthy process of assessment. This involves providing documentary evidence that shows they comply with all relevant health and safety legislation (including CDM 2015). Once approved, CHAS carry out random audits on accredited members to ensure they maintain these high standards.
What Is the Accreditation Process?
As mentioned, achieving health and safety compliance to the CHAS standard is often a time-consuming process.
Initially, the contractor must put together a comprehensive portfolio of evidence that demonstrates their compliance in specific areas, such as:
- Health and safety policy statement
- Risk assessments
- Active safety training and company safety advisor expertise
- COSHH (Control of Substances Hazardous to Health) assessments
- Insurance cover
- Method statements/plans of work
- Employee training records
Once the application has been submitted, a CHAS assessor will carry out an on-site visit. This usually lasts between one and two days, during which time the assessor will interview employees and review all documents relating to health and safety procedures.
If the assessor is satisfied that the contractor meets all the necessary criteria, they will be awarded with CHAS safety accreditation. If unsuccessful on the first attempt, they will be given a list of improvements that need to be made before re-applying.
How Does This Help a Business?
If you’re tendering for work with the public sector, you may be asked to provide evidence of CHAS accreditation. In order to be awarded a place on the Crown Commercial Service’s (CCS) Supply2Gov framework agreement, for example, contractors must first demonstrate they have achieved CHAS certification.
The CCS is an executive agency of the Cabinet Office that helps government and local authorities to buy common goods and services efficiently and effectively. They award places on their frameworks to suppliers that offer the best value for money—and in order to do this, they need to be able to assess and compare bids quickly and easily. Asking for evidence of CHAS membership at the outset helps them to do this.
In this sense, CHAS accreditation assists your business in the tender process, setting you apart from other clients and other contractors, and helping you win work which you may not have been able to otherwise.
How Does This Help an Individual?
Working with a CHAS accredited contractor gives peace of mind that they have been assessed against—and have met—stringent health and safety standards. This should give employees, customers, and members of the public confidence that the contractor is taking their health and safety seriously.
Constructionline
Who Are They?
Constructionline is the UK’s largest register for pre-qualified construction contractors and consultants. They work with over 500 buyers from across the public and private sectors to help them find the right supplier quickly and easily.
What Do They Do?
In order to become a member of Constructionline, contractors must first go through a vetting process. This involves providing evidence that they meet all the required standards for health and safety, equal opportunities, environmental management, quality management, and modern slavery act adherence.
What Is the Accreditation Process?
The first step in the accreditation process is to create an account on the Constructionline website. Once you have done this, you will be asked to provide evidence that you meet the minimum requirements for health and safety, equal opportunities, environmental management, quality management, and modern slavery act adherence.
You will then be required to upload any relevant documentation, such as your health and safety policy or equality and diversity policy. Once this has been reviewed by a Constructionline assessor, you will either be given full membership or told what improvements need to be made.
How Does This Help a Business?
If you’re looking for work in the construction industry, becoming a member of Constructionline is a great way to get your company noticed by potential buyers. By having your company credentials validated by an organisation like Constructionline, you can show that you’re serious about doing business—and that you have the necessary policies and procedures in place to do so safely and effectively. This can assist you
How Does This Help an Individual?
As well as giving employees the peace of mind that their company is serious about health and safety, becoming a member of Constructionline can also help individuals to progress in their careers. By being able to evidence your commitment to health and safety, equal opportunities, and environmental management, you can show potential employers that you’re the right person for the job.
For sole traders and businesses unable to afford access to the top safety assessment schemes, Constructionline accreditation can allow you to stand out among potential clients, and provide instant access to work that would otherwise go to larger companies.
