Understand what is being assessed
Safety Schemes in Procurement (SSIP) brings together member schemes around recognised health and safety assessment criteria. The schemes carry out assessments; SSIP itself does not assess your application.
Successful assessment can help a buyer review your health and safety arrangements during pre-qualification. It does not remove your responsibility to manage work safely.
Reduce duplication without assuming every check disappears
Mutual recognition can reduce repeated health and safety assessment. A client may still need information about a particular project, technical competence, insurance, financial standing or other procurement requirements.
Before paying for another scheme, confirm exactly what your intended clients require and whether an existing assessment can meet the health and safety element.
Build evidence as you work
Applications are easier when the supporting records reflect a functioning system. Keep policies current, complete relevant assessments, record training and retain inspection and follow-up evidence.
- Assign ownership for each type of record.
- Track review and expiry dates.
- Keep versions and approvals clear.
- Check that evidence is relevant to the activities being assessed.
Separate the costs and the timescales
Scheme charges and consultancy fees are separate considerations. Check what each includes, including renewals and responses to assessor questions.
Preparation time depends on your starting point. Assessment times are controlled by the scheme, so treat individual approval case studies as examples rather than guaranteed delivery times.
Use the process beyond the application
An organised evidence pack can make future renewals and client enquiries easier. The lasting benefit comes from maintaining the arrangements behind it: clear responsibilities, current records and actions that are followed through.
Further reading
General guidance should be applied to the circumstances of your workplace.