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UK Security Glossary

What is CHAS?

Contractors Health and Safety Assessment Scheme

CHAS is one of the UK's leading pre-qualification schemes for contractor health and safety. Holding a current CHAS Premium / Premium Plus / Elite assessment means the company's H&S management has been audited against SSIP (Safety Schemes in Procurement) Core Criteria — risk assessments, training records, accident reporting, RAMS workflows, and director-level H&S accountability. CHAS is widely recognised by Tier 1 construction firms and public-sector buyers as a baseline pre-qualification, often saving the buyer the work of running their own bespoke H&S vetting.

Issued by

CHAS Ltd, an SSIP-registered assessment scheme.

Why it matters

On any construction or industrial site, the principal contractor or property owner is responsible for the H&S of everyone on site — including the security team. A current CHAS certificate (or Constructionline equivalent) means you don't need to run your own due diligence on the security provider's H&S records.

Questions to ask a provider

  1. What level of CHAS do you hold (Premium / Premium Plus / Elite)?
  2. When does your current certificate expire?
  3. Can you provide your CHAS reference for our principal contractor's portal?

Related terms

Looking for a UK security provider with this accreditation? SitePatrol lists vetted providers across the UK — filter by accreditation, county and service.