How SSIP certification can help you win tenders
In the construction industry, you want to win the best tenders. But it’s not the easiest task, especially when you’re surrounded by tough competition.
So, how do you stand out?
Well, that’s where Safety Schemes in Procurement (SSIP) certification comes in.
But what is SSIP, and why is it so beneficial for businesses?
SSIP certification can be a defining factor for businesses in terms of saving valuable time and cutting costs on spending. The process of tendering for contracts can be over-complicated with a lot of document duplication. SSIP streamlines the process and with it, brings in plenty of business opportunities. Let’s take a look at how below!
What does SSIP stand for?
SSIP stands for Safety Schemes in Procurement and is widely recognised as the industry standard for most contractors. SSIP members, like Smas Worksafe, will carry out the SSIP assessment, performing analysis on all Health & Safety areas, such as safety policy, training programmes and risk assessments.
What is SSIP?
SSIP is a non-profit umbrella organisation formed back in 2009 that pulls together multiple Health & Safety assessment schemes to promote mutual recognition between providers. . It’s backed by Britain’s national regulator for workplace Health & Safety – the Health & Safety Executive (HSE) – and is made up of HSE’s 14 core criteria for safe working.
So, instead of filling out multiple copies of risk assessments and certification forms, contractors can provide their SSIP to clients to show their competence and trustworthiness. This process plays an important role in effective supply chain management, as it means contractors can easily demonstrate compliance with Health & Safety regulations.
What is SSIP certification?
Once a contractor completes the SSIP assessment and its thorough vetting process, they’ll have officially earned SSIP certification. This helps demonstrate their commitment to workplace Health & Safety. When it comes to winning tenders and securing work, SSIP helps simplify the process by saving time when filling forms, and lets certified contractors stand out from the crowd.
Is SSIP an assessment scheme?
A common misconception is that SSIP is an assessment scheme, but this isn’t the case. You can’t just join SSIP like a subscription. You’ve got to go through an associated member scheme, like Smas, who will assess you and then provide certification.
How does SSIP work?
Every member under the SSIP umbrella refers to a central framework known as the ‘SSIP Core Criteria’. This framework is the structure every SSIP member adheres to. A contractor must satisfy all points to demonstrate they comply with Health & Safety legislation to achieve SSIP certification.
Some of the criteria includes:
- Strong procedures in place for appointing competent sub-contractors
- Proper changing and eating areas to help with employee wellbeing
- Efficient monitoring and auditing processes
- Correct training to make sure employees are skilled to carry out their duties safely and effectively
When a contractor can prove they meet these points, it not only boosts their credibility to clients, but also sets systems in place to help with workforce wellbeing.
Work opportunities
We’ve touched on the benefits of winning more work opportunities, but how does it actually work? Well, since SSIP is woven into the very fabric of occupational Health & Safety standards across the UK, clients will naturally prioritise working with contractors who can prove their commitment to Health & Safety! If your business doesn’t have SSIP certification, then you’ll be at a disadvantage compared to other companies who do have it. When bidding for work, the competition for winning tenders is fierce. Many clients now request SSIP certification before tendering even begins – and, without it, you’re automatically out of the running. But with it, your chances of securing work go up and you can start competing for the contracts that will boost your business.
Compliance with Health & Safety
As SSIP is HSE-approved, there won’t be any worries about conforming to regulations during inspections. Achieving SSIP certification demonstrates your commitment to maintaining a safe working environment, and reducing Health & Safety hazards such as falls, equipment malfunctions and exposure to hazardous substances. Plus, since SSIP is accessible to contractors of all sizes, it strengthens your position when preparing those all-important tender proposals, helping to secure work.
Improves risk management
One of the major advantages of SSIP certification is that it helps you take a more proactive approach to risk management, making sure your business has solid safety policies and procedures in place. The assessments conducted during the certification process help identify potential hazards and improve operational safety, reducing the likelihood of accidents or costly legal issues. With enhanced risk management practices, your business can operate in confidence.
Saves money and time
If your business can cut back on costs wherever possible, then it’s a no-brainer. At Smas, we’ll provide templates and resources to help you manage your Health & Safety documentation efficiently. This means less time spent on admin and more time getting the job done. Plus, SSIP helps you avoid costly accidents and the downtime, legal fees, and reputational damage that follows.
Enhances business reputation
Holding SSIP certification demonstrates to potential clients, partners, and stakeholders that your business takes Health & Safety seriously. This commitment to high standards builds the trust and reputation of your company. A strong reputation can lead to repeat business, referrals, and long-term client relationships.
Increases efficiency and productivity
By using the best Health & Safety practices required for SSIP certification, your business benefits from a more structured and efficient work environment. Fewer workplace incidents mean less downtime and disruptions, leading to increased productivity. Employees will also feel safer and more motivated, which can improve overall performance and job satisfaction.
Demonstrates social responsibility
SSIP certification showcases your business’s commitment to ethical and responsible practices. Making a safe workplace for employees and subcontractors means you contribute to a positive working culture. This can also boost your appeal to socially conscious clients and partners who prioritise working with responsible businesses.
Gives you a competitive advantage
In industries where there’s a lot of tendering for contracts, SSIP certification provides a competitive edge. Many procurement teams prefer or even require contractors to have SSIP, giving certified businesses an advantage over those without it. Having SSIP certification can be the deciding factor between winning or losing a contract.
Simplifies supply chain management
For businesses working with multiple suppliers and subcontractors, SSIP certification simplifies supply chain management. Since SSIP certification is widely recognised, it reduces the need for repeated Health & Safety assessments across different projects. This streamlines operations and improves collaboration within the supply chain.
By securing SSIP certification, your business not only gains access to more tenders, but also builds a foundation for long-term success and sustainability. So, when you invest in SSIP, you’re Investing in safety, efficiency, and business growth.
What is the Smas Worksafe SSIP scheme?
Smas Worksafe is one of the UK’s leading providers of SSIP. Our scheme gives your business a defined set of questions that covers topics such as Health & Safety management, employee wellbeing, and risk assessments.
Whether you’re a new or existing client, our team’s committed to helping your business meet compliance standards with ease. With real-time reporting, we track contractor progress and address any issues. Our portal puts you in touch with high-profile clients all across the country. And we also offer training for you and your employees to keep on upskilling! Contractors holding Smas Worksafe certification also gain mutual recognition from other SSIP member schemes.
How to get SSIP certified
To get certified, your business will need to answer a series of questions and provide the relevant documentation to determine if your business meets the SSIP core criteria. If there are any areas that don’t quite meet the standard, we offer tailored guidance to help close the gaps in those specific areas.
Once your business meets all the required standards, we’ll approve your application and issue the Smas Worksafe SSIP certificate which gets you access to our Smas Worksafe portal. After 12 months, you’ll have to renew your certificate – and 95% of our members return every year! For more information, you can read our blog on ‘How to get your business SSIP certified’.
Secure SSIP certification with Smas Worksafe
Our SSIP certification has tens of thousands of contractors signed up, and your business could be next.
We don’t just offer SSIP – we’ve got a range of PQQ packages to keep you at the forefront of Health & Safety standards. And, if you’re looking to upskill, we also offer CITB-approved training courses.
Contact us today and speak to one of our experts to find out more, and let Smas Worksafe help your business stay compliant and secure more tenders.