In the UK construction sector, there are two widely recognised industry certifications which contractors can achieve that make it easier to manage supply chains. They’re called SSIP and CAS.
We’re frequently asked about the difference between the two certifications, and also how PAS 91 relates to these certifications. In this blog, we’ll explore each one of these; what they’re used for, what their benefits are and the differences between them all.
SSIP stands for Safety Schemes in Procurement and is widely recognised as the industry standard pre-qualification Health & Safety assessment scheme as it’s endorsed by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE).
Participants of the scheme provide assessment schemes to contractors throughout the supply chain, illustrating competence and trustworthiness when it comes to contractors working in the supply chain to demonstrate compliance with Health & Safety regulations.
Obtaining an SSIP certificate demonstrates that you’ve committed to occupational Health & Safety practices by having your Health & Safety management system assessed in line with the SSIP Core Criteria.
SSIP certification streamlines the pre-qualification process. Instead of filling out multiple, similar questionnaires for different clients, you can use your SSIP certificate to demonstrate your Health & Safety competence. This saves time and resources.
SSIP is endorsed by the HSE, giving it significant weight and recognition within the construction industry. It demonstrates a commitment to high Health & Safety standards, enhancing your reputation and making you a more attractive prospect for clients.
Many clients now require SSIP certification as a condition for tendering. Having this certification can give you a competitive edge and open doors to new opportunities.
The process of achieving SSIP certification encourages businesses to review and improve their Health & Safety management systems, leading to a safer working environment for employees.
By demonstrating robust Health & Safety practices, you can reduce the risk of accidents and incidents on-site, protecting your workforce and your business.
Dive deeper into the benefits of SSIP in our blog ‘How SSIP Certification can help you win tenders’.
The Common Assessment Standard (CAS) was first introduced by Build UK and the Civil Engineering Contractors Association (CECA) in an effort to reduce the duplication and inefficiencies incurred at the prequalification stage, which is costing the construction industry.
CAS consists of an industry-agreed set of questions based on existing PQ questionnaires, including PAS 91, and corresponding assessment standards. The aim of CAS is to reduce duplication, time and cost.
A CAS certificate issued by a Build UK-approved assessment scheme demonstrates compliance across a range of aspects including all those set out by SSIP and PAS 91.
To learn more about CAS, see our blog ‘What is the Common Assessment Standard’.
The primary benefit of CAS is the elimination of repetitive pre-qualification questionnaires. One assessment covers multiple areas, saving time and money for both contractors and clients.
CAS is backed by major industry bodies like Build UK and CECA, ensuring its widespread acceptance and relevance.
CAS covers a wider range of areas than just Health & Safety, including financial stability, environmental management, and quality management. This provides clients with a more holistic view of a contractor’s capabilities.
By streamlining the pre-qualification process, CAS allows businesses to focus on project delivery rather than admin tasks.
Reduced paperwork and admin overheads translate into cost savings for both contractors and clients.
Introduced by the British Standards Institute (BSI), PAS 91 stands for Publicly Available Specification for pre-qualification questionnaires. This questionnaire is split into modules and helps clients to manage compliance across multiple areas of compliance.
PAS 91 aims to address challenges businesses face when completing pre-qualification questionnaires (PQQs). The questionnaire has set high standards for risk management, and it also helps contractors reduce duplication when applying for contracts as the standards are set across the industry.
Learn the ins and outs of PAS 91 in our dedicated blog ‘What is PAS 91?’
PAS 91 provides a consistent and standardised format for pre-qualification questionnaires, making it easier for contractors to complete and for clients to evaluate.
While not as comprehensive as CAS, PAS 91 still helps reduce duplication by providing a common set of questions that can be used by multiple clients.
The standardised questionnaire promotes transparency and allows clients to compare contractors more easily.
PAS 91 covers a range of important areas, including Health & Safety, financial stability, and environmental management.
Both contractors and clients can save time by using a standardised questionnaire.
The core difference lies in their scope and focus. SSIP is solely focused on Health & Safety pre-qualification. PAS 91 is a standardised questionnaire covering a broader range of topics, including Health & Safety, but not exclusively that. CAS is the most comprehensive, acting as a single assessment that covers all the areas included in both SSIP and PAS 91, plus others. Think of it this way: SSIP is about Health & Safety, PAS 91 is a questionnaire that includes Health & Safety (among other things), and CAS is a comprehensive assessment that encompasses both SSIP and PAS 91. Choosing the right certification depends on your specific business needs and the requirements of your clients.
Here at Smas Worksafe, we work with thousands of contractors and help them to transform the Health & Safety of their businesses. With support from our experts, you can get SSIP Certified, and PAS 91 Certified! Need a Deem to Satisfy Certificate? We can help with that too. Our Worksafe PQQ package is available too to take your pre-qualification questionnaire to the next level.
Contact us today and speak to one of our experts to find out more, or request a quote. Let’s make sure your business is compliant and, ultimately, secure you more tenders.
