Frequently asked questions

Got a question? You’re in the right place. Here are some of the things we’re asked most often.

For contractors

How do I apply?

You can apply online right now. This link will take you to a step-by-step guide to becoming a CHAS Member.

Is CHAS only for the construction industry?

No. There are different applications based on different industries. We have a vast selection of work categories, so you’re able to provide evidence of compliance based on the type of work your company conducts. You can find more information on the different industries here.

What’s the difference between membership and assessment?

Membership is an annual subscription giving you access to membership benefits for a yearly fee. CHAS compliance is evidenced by the certificate you receive once you’ve successfully met the requirements of the assessment standard. Think of it as membership expiry is your annual payment date, and compliance expiry is your annual assessment renewal. You can see more about the different assessment and membership packages we offer here.

How are employees defined?

The number of employees is the total number of direct employees, PAYE, permanent, temporary, part-time, and labour only subcontractors. According to UK law, a labour-only subcontractor is considered an employee. This does not include bona-fide subcontractors who are regarded as companies in their own right, as they work with their own tools and have their own insurance etc.

https://www.gov.uk/employment-status/employee

 

What is Safety Schemes in Procurement (SSIP) and how does it work?

SSIP is an umbrella organisation where all scheme members assess health and safety to a recognised standard endorsed by the HSE. For more information, please visit SSIP directly. If you’ve met the requirements of an existing SSIP assessment, please see our Deemed to Satisfy application process.

How do I renew my CHAS Membership?

Please either log into your MyCHAS Portal and make the payment online, or contact our Renewals Team on 0345 521 9222.

How long does a CHAS assessment take?

Once you’ve completed and submitted your assessment, it will be assigned to one of our assessors and reviewed within a maximum of 10 working days. We also offer a Fast Track service, which takes the review period down to a maximum of 2 working days. If further information is required, a 2-week deadline date will be issued and all responses will need to be submitted by this date. If you feel you cannot meet this deadline, please contact the Membership Team on 0345 521 9111.

If I fail to resubmit my assessment, what can I do?

If your application has been closed for less than 14 days, we’ll be able to reopen it for a fee. Unfortunately, this can only be offered once. Any further failures will require a new application.

 

How do I contact my CHAS assessor?

If you need to respond to a request for additional information, you can do so by leaving comments in the text box below the assessor’s request in your MyCHAS Portal. Alternatively, you can contact the Membership Team on 0345 521 9111 and request the email address of your assessor for more direct communication.

 

For clients

What are the benefits of being a CHAS client?

We help you manage your compliance and risk, as well as raising and improving standards across your supply chain. We can also help you save money and time. In essence, we complete the initial health and safety application process for you.

Who can become a CHAS client?

CHAS is free to the public and private sectors. Client access extends to health trusts, councils, emergency services, the voluntary sector, housing associations, Government departments and private companies who have a supply chain.

Is CHAS just for the construction industry?

No. Our database stores information on a wide range of contractors and consultants (suppliers). It addresses all categories of work from asbestos removal to window cleaning, catering and residential care. We currently have 124 work categories to select from.

 

How do I apply to become a CHAS client?

If you currently manage subcontractors you could gain access to the free CHAS client portal.

I can’t log in, can I reset my password?

Your login id will be an email address registered to your account. If you’ve forgotten your password, please press ‘Forgotten Password’ on the login page. This will send a password reset email to your account and you’ll be able to reset your password from here.

What support will I receive?

CHAS offers a dedicated account manager, who’ll be available to help resolve any issues or questions you may have.

How much does it cost to be a CHAS client?

There is no charge for being a CHAS Client.

Does a CHAS assessment determine the competence of a contractor?

A compliant contractor has demonstrated they have adequate compliance with current legislation and sound management of health and safety. Health and safety legislation requires you to undertake a second stage (job or project-specific) assessment. CHAS cannot do this for you.

As a CHAS client, must I do health and safety assessments?

The simple answer is: no.

Can second stage assessment findings be displayed in CHAS?

Yes, but only in the form of a ‘comment’ or ‘private comment’. A supplier who listed as compliant on the database has achieved the required threshold standard. As the standards for a second stage are not clearly defined, someone using the information will be unaware of what has been checked, and there can be no guarantee of consistency.

Can CHAS be used in the shortlisting process for term contracts?

Yes, but you should remember that your selection process must be fair, clear and auditable. All contractors must be treated in the same way. Your application used in the process would need to reflect CHAS standards, and also build on them to elicit information relating to the second stage. If a contractor is currently assessed as CHAS (stage 1) compliant, you need only assess the second stage competence element.

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