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By the Workplace Safety Group teamQuick answer: To get accredited for the first time:
- Find out which scheme and level your client wants.
- Gather your company details, insurance and team information.
- Get your health and safety policy and risk assessments in order.
- Apply through the scheme's portal and pay its fee.
- Answer any questions from the assessor.
- Receive your certificate.
With WSG, we take care of the application for you, and we aim to submit within 2 to 3 working days of receiving what we need.
The moment a client says "you'll need to be accredited"
It usually comes just as a good job is within reach. The good news: thousands of trade firms go through this every year, and with the right help it's a short, clear process.
Step 1: Find out exactly what your client wants
Ask which scheme (e.g. CHAS, SMAS, Constructionline, SafeContractor, or "any SSIP") and which level (SSIP, PAS 91 or the Common Assessment Standard). See Which accreditation do I need?
Step 2: Gather the basics
- Company details (legal name, address, company number if you're limited)
- Insurance certificates (employer's liability and public liability)
- Your team: number of employees, roles and training or qualifications
Use your legal entity name the same way on every document.
Step 3: Get your health and safety documents in order
- A health and safety policy, signed and dated
- Risk assessments and method statements (RAMS) for your work. Build them with our free RAMS Builder.
- A record of training and toolbox talks
- How you report accidents and manage sub-contractors
Need these documents written for you? SafeGuard Pro and Pro Max include your paperwork produced by WSG, plus competent health and safety advice.
Step 4: Apply and pay the scheme's fee
You register with the scheme, choose your level and pay its membership fee. Choosing the right question set for your type of work matters, because the wrong one can mean a rejection.
Step 5: Answer the assessor's questions
Assessors often ask for clarification or an extra document. Quick, accurate answers keep your application moving.
Step 6: Get your certificate and keep it current
Once approved, you're listed with the scheme (and on the SSIP Portal for SSIP schemes). Keep your documents, insurance and training in date so you're ready when clients check.
How WSG helps
| Option | Price (+VAT) | What you get |
|---|---|---|
| Standalone support | From £395 (by scheme, level and headcount) | We write what's missing, fill in your application, upload everything and submit it, and we deal with any questions from the scheme. Money back on our fee if you aren't accredited (terms apply) |
| SafeGuard Pro | £1,895 a year, or £595 setup + £150 a month | PQS accreditation at SSIP level with the membership fee paid, support with any other SSIP scheme (that scheme's fee is paid separately), competent advice, and paperwork produced for you |
| SafeGuard Pro Max | £2,395 a year, or £995 setup + £170 a month | As Pro, but support with any PAS 91 or CAS scheme (that scheme's fee is paid separately) |
FAQs
With our support, we aim to submit within 2 to 3 working days of receiving your information. The scheme's assessment time then applies, and it varies by scheme.
Typically your insurance, company details, team and training information, a health and safety policy and risk assessments. The exact list depends on your level and the work you do.
Absolutely. Many of our clients start from scratch. SafeGuard Pro and Pro Max include your paperwork produced for you.
With standalone support, you get 100% of our fee back if you aren't accredited, provided you sign documents, supply information and complete toolbox talks within reasonable timescales.
Tell us who you're working for and we'll point you to the right scheme and level.
03333 208568
info@workplacesafetygroup.co.uk
