How SSIP accreditations applications work?

SSIP (Safety Schemes in Procurement) is an umbrella organisation that provides a streamlined and standardised approach to assessing supplier health and safety competence. The purpose of SSIP is to reduce the time and resources required by suppliers to demonstrate their health and safety credentials to buyers.

Obtaining SSIP accreditation involves several steps. First, suppliers need to identify an SSIP member scheme that is appropriate for their business type and activities. There are several SSIP member schemes, such as CHAS, SafeContractor, and SMAS, among others. Each scheme has its own specific requirements for accreditation, so it is important to research and select the most appropriate scheme.

Once the scheme has been identified, suppliers need to register with the scheme and complete a pre-qualification questionnaire (PQQ). The PQQ is used to collect information about the supplier's health and safety policies, procedures, and practices. The questionnaire covers a range of topics, such as risk assessments, accident reporting, and training records, among others.

After completing the PQQ, suppliers may be required to undergo an assessment of their health and safety management system. The assessment may include a site visit, a review of documentation, and interviews with key personnel. The purpose of the assessment is to verify that the supplier has the necessary health and safety management systems in place and that they are being effectively implemented.

Once the assessment is complete, the supplier will receive a report highlighting any areas that require improvement. The supplier will then have the opportunity to address these issues and provide evidence of their corrective actions. If the scheme is satisfied with the supplier's responses, they will grant SSIP accreditation.

In conclusion, obtaining SSIP accreditation is a rigorous process that requires a significant investment of time and resources. However, once accreditation has been achieved, it can provide a valuable marketing advantage for suppliers, as it demonstrates their commitment to health and safety excellence. By following the steps outlined above, suppliers can navigate the SSIP accreditation process successfully and position themselves as trusted partners for buyers.