2 min read
Last reviewed: 
By the Workplace Safety Group teamQuick answer: Sole traders can get SSIP accreditation just like larger firms, and the assessment is proportionate: firms with fewer than 5 people provide evidence scaled to their size and the risks of their work. WSG's standalone support starts at £395 +VAT for 1–4 employees, and SafeGuard Pro includes PQS accreditation at SSIP level with the membership fee paid.
You're good at the job. Let's get you on the list
A main contractor wants you on site but needs to see "SSIP" or "CHAS" first. That can feel like a wall of forms between you and the work. It doesn't need to be. Get accredited once, and you can say yes to the jobs that ask for it.
What a sole trader needs for SSIP
The SSIP Core Criteria apply to every firm, scaled to your size and risk. Expect to show:
- A short health and safety policy, signed and dated
- Risk assessments and method statements (RAMS) for your typical jobs
- Your training and trade qualifications
- Valid insurance
- How you'd record and learn from an accident
- How you check and manage any labour you bring in
Your RAMS, sorted fast
RAMS are often what sole traders need most. Start with our free RAMS Builder to build site-specific RAMS for your typical jobs.
Ways to get accredited with WSG
| Option | Price (+VAT) | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Standalone support: CHAS Standard, SMAS Worksafe, SafeContractor or Constructionline Bronze | £395 (1–4 employees) | One scheme your client has named. We write what's missing, fill in your application, upload everything and submit it, and we deal with any questions from the scheme |
| 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 your paperwork produced for you |
Scheme membership fees for standalone support are paid directly to the scheme.
FAQs
Yes. Sole traders are assessed proportionately, with evidence scaled to their size and the risks of their work.
The legal duty to write your policy down applies once you have 5 or more employees. Accreditation schemes and clients still expect to see one, so a short, signed policy that fits your business is the way to go.
The one your client accepts. If they just say "SSIP", any Registered Member scheme will do. See Which accreditation do I need?
Our standalone support starts at £395 +VAT for 1–4 employees, plus the scheme's fee. See SSIP accreditation cost.
Labour-only sub-contractors who work under your direction usually count towards your headcount. Self-employed subbies with their own tools, insurance and business usually don't. We'll check your numbers with you.
03333 208568
info@workplacesafetygroup.co.uk
