Guides

CDM 2015 principal contractor vs principal designer: who appoints them, what each must do, and what SSIP assessors expect from UK contractors in either role.

What a CDM 2015 construction phase plan must contain, who writes it, when it's needed, and what accreditation assessors look for when they review yours.

A practical toolbox talk template for construction sites — what to cover, how to record attendance, and what SSIP assessors look for in your briefing records.

A practical construction risk assessment template, plus exactly what CHAS, SafeContractor and Common Assessment Standard assessors check before they pass you.

Looking for the cheapest SSIP accreditation? Compare PQS, CQMS, SMAS and CHAS on price and coverage, and when a budget scheme is the right call for your SME.

A data-driven cost-benefit analysis of CHAS, Constructionline, and SafeContractor for UK construction SMEs. What accreditation costs, what it opens, and when to invest.

What accreditation assessors look for in construction method statements and RAMS. Practical guidance for UK contractors preparing for CHAS, Constructionline, or SafeContractor.

Comparing CHAS Standard and Premium Plus — what each tier covers, who needs Premium Plus, pricing differences, and how to decide which is right for your business.

A practical guide to SSIP mutual recognition and deem-to-satisfy. How it works, what it covers, its limitations, and how to use it to reduce accreditation costs.

A practical decision guide for UK construction SMEs. Work out which accreditation schemes to pursue based on your clients, sector, and growth plans.

The Common Assessment Standard is Build UK's construction prequalification framework that replaced PAS 91. What it covers, how it connects to SSIP, and why PPN 03/24 matters.

Practical guide to renewing your CHAS accreditation. Covers what assessors check at renewal, common mistakes, document updates, and avoiding accreditation gaps.

Beyond CHAS, Constructionline, and SafeContractor — understand SMAS Worksafe, Acclaim Accreditation, and Achilles BuildingConfidence for UK construction.

Compare accreditation costs across CHAS, Constructionline, SafeContractor, SMAS, and other SSIP schemes. Includes hidden costs and cost-saving tips for SMEs.

Step-by-step guide to SafeContractor accreditation — what it covers, who requires it, application process, and how to prepare your documentation.

Everything UK contractors need to know about Constructionline Gold — requirements, assessment areas, costs, and how to prepare your application.

Understand CDM 2015 duty holder roles and what the regulations mean for SME contractors. Covers construction phase plans, competence, and accreditation links.

PAS 91 was withdrawn by BSI in 2023. Here is what it was, what replaced it (the Common Assessment Standard), and what UK construction SMEs should prepare for instead.

Learn how to write a construction health and safety policy that meets accreditation standards. Covers legal requirements, common mistakes, and practical tips.

Learn what SSIP accreditation is, how mutual recognition works, and how to choose the right scheme for your construction SME. Practical guidance inside.

The 8 documentation areas Tier 1 contractors and accreditation bodies assess — what good looks like at SME scale and where businesses fall short.

Comparing CHAS, Constructionline, and SafeContractor — what each assesses, who recognises them, pricing, and which to get first as a UK construction SME.

Step-by-step guide to preparing for and achieving CHAS accreditation. Covers documentation, common failures, and how to get assessment-ready first time.

What UK construction SMEs need to know about supplier prequalification — CHAS, Constructionline, SafeContractor, SSIP, and how to prepare.