In order to promote greater mutual recognition amongst existing health and safety prequalification schemes, the SSIP scheme was established. This article explores how UKAS accreditation helps to ensure the credibility and reliability of the scheme
The construction industry in the UK places great importance on ensuring the health and safety competence of contractors and consultants.
To streamline this process and promote mutual recognition among existing health and safety prequalification schemes, the Safety Schemes in Procurement (SSIP) scheme was established. Underpinning the credibility and competence of the SSIP scheme is UKAS accreditation.
Background to SSIP and the need for accreditation
The introduction of the Construction (Design and Management) Regulations (CDM Regulations) brought about the Stage 1 Core Criteria for assessing the health and safety competence of contractors and consultants in the construction industry.
This provided the foundation for the establishment of the SSIP scheme, which aims to formalise mutual recognition among existing health and safety prequalification schemes.
Accreditation plays a crucial role in ensuring the credibility and reliability of SSIP member schemes.
It validates the corporate values of SSIP and its commitment to maintaining high standards in health and safety assessments. The collaboration between UKAS and SSIP provides confidence to clients, buyers, and stakeholders that the assessments conducted by SSIP member schemes meet the increased requirements of UK health and safety legislation and industry demands.
What is the role of the SSIP and its members?
The SSIP plays a vital role in consolidating and building confidence in Stage 1 prequalification in the UK construction industry.
SSIP members have signed mutual recognition agreements, allowing for the recognition of health and safety certification issued by one SSIP member by other SSIP member schemes.
This mutual recognition streamlines the prequalification process for contractors and consultants, reducing the time and cost burdens associated with repeated prequalification.
Mutual recognition agreements form the core of SSIP, enabling businesses to demonstrate compliance with the SSIP Core Criteria. Provided a valid entry is held on the SSIP Portal, health and safety assessments completed by one SSIP member scheme are recognised by others.
This centralised verification database, maintained by SSIP, lists over 80,000 suppliers assessed by SSIP member schemes and provides a comprehensive and easily accessible source of information for clients and buyers in various industries.
The SSIP threshold standard and types of assessments
The SSIP Threshold Standard, also known as the SSIP Core Criteria, confirms organisational capability and compliance with UK health and safety standards.
Compliance with the SSIP Core Criteria is determined through two types of assessments conducted by SSIP members.
The first type of assessment is a “desk-top” health and safety assessment, which evaluates the organisation’s policies, procedures, documentation, and supporting evidence. This assessment ensures that organisations meet the required health and safety standards.
The second type of assessment involves obtaining an ISO 45001 certificate issued in conjunction with the SSIP Sector Scheme. This certification further demonstrates an organisation’s commitment to health and safety standards.
The evolution of the SSIP Scheme and UKAS accreditation
UKAS and SSIP Ltd have been collaborating since 2017 to implement the UKAS SSIP Sector Scheme. The SSIP Sector Scheme has evolved from Certification Body organisations issuing ISO 45001 certificates under ISO/IEC 17021:2015 to Inspection Bodies conducting desk-top health and safety assessments under ISO/IEC 17020:2012.
The creation of the SSIP Sector Scheme aims to enhance industry competence standards for health and safety assessment schemes. UKAS accreditation for all SSIP member schemes conducting health and safety assessments ensures the verification of skills, knowledge, experience, and behaviors of both individuals and organisations.
What are the benefits of UKAS accreditation in SSIP?
UKAS accreditation plays a crucial role in ensuring the credibility and reliability of SSIP member schemes. It provides assurance to clients, buyers, and stakeholders that the assessments conducted by SSIP member schemes meet the highest standards of quality and competence.
Some of the key benefits of UKAS accreditation in the SSIP scheme include:
1. Impartiality and independence
UKAS accreditation demonstrates that SSIP member schemes operate impartially and independently, ensuring a fair and unbiased assessment process.
2. Technical competence
UKAS accreditation validates the technical competence of personnel involved in the assessment process, ensuring that they have the necessary skills, knowledge, and experience to carry out accurate and reliable assessments.
3. Consistency and reliability
UKAS accreditation ensures a consistent and reliable standard of assessment by qualified and competent assessors, promoting trust and confidence in the assessment process.
4. Compliance with legislation and industry demands
UKAS accreditation for SSIP member schemes ensures that the assessments conducted meet the increased requirements of UK health and safety legislation and industry demands.
How does UKAS accreditation underpin the competence of the SSIP scheme?
Accreditation ensures that SSIP member schemes operate impartially, independently, and with technical competence.
It provides assurance to clients, buyers, and stakeholders that the assessments conducted by SSIP member schemes meet the highest standards of quality and competence.
By emphasising competence in health and safety assessments, SSIP and UKAS contribute to the overall goal of creating a safer and more secure working environment in the construction industry.
The collaboration between UKAS and SSIP aims to enhance industry competence standards and promote a consistent, reliable, and quality-controlled standard of assessment by qualified and competent assessors.
Commenting on this collaborative approach, Eleanor Eaton, chair of SSIP said: “With UKAS accreditation, the SSIP scheme streamlines the prequalification process, reduces time and cost burdens, and provides a central verification database for clients and buyers.
“It establishes a robust framework for health and safety competence, ensuring that contractors and consultants meet the required standards and regulations. Ultimately, SSIP along with UKAS accreditation supports the improvement of health and safety practices and contributes to the overall success and sustainability of the UK construction industry.
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