SafeContractor is one of the largest SSIP-member H&S assessment schemes in the UK. Accreditation opens doors to major client supply chains including NHS, local authorities, retailers, and FM companies who mandate SafeContractor approval.
| Issued by | SafeContractor (Alcumus) |
|---|---|
| Typical cost | £700 a year |
| Renewal | Every year |
| Who needs it | Electricians, gas engineers, heating engineers, plumbers, builders, groundworkers, roofers, scaffolders |
What you need to get it
9 requirements, and what counts as evidence for each.
Health & Safety Policy
Signed, dated H&S Policy appropriate to your business size, covering statement of intent, roles and responsibilities, and management arrangements.
Evidence: H&S Policy document.
Risk Assessments
Current risk assessments for main work activities.
Evidence: Risk assessments for core work activities.
COSHH Assessments
COSHH assessments for any hazardous substances used (solvents, adhesives, dust, gases, etc.).
Evidence: COSHH assessment records.
Employer’s Liability Insurance
Minimum £10m EL cover (SafeContractor requires higher limits than CHAS for some sectors).
Evidence: EL insurance certificate.
Public Liability Insurance
Minimum £5m PL insurance.
Evidence: PL insurance certificate.
Accident Statistics (3 years)
Three years of accident statistics including RIDDOR reportable incidents, minor injuries, dangerous occurrences, and near misses.
Evidence: Annual accident statistics table for the past 3 years.
Training Records / Matrix
Evidence of all operative training and qualifications including trade certificates, safety tickets (CSCS, IPAF, PASMA, etc.), first aid, and manual handling.
Evidence: Training matrix or individual training records for all employees.
Environmental Policy
A brief environmental policy or statement covering waste management, pollution prevention, and environmental impact minimisation.
Evidence: Environmental policy document.
SafeContractor Online Assessment
Submit all documents via SafeContractor’s online portal for assessment by their team.
Evidence: Completed online submission.
What you have to keep doing
Getting it is the easy part. Keeping it means:
Annual Renewal
Renew annually by uploading updated documentation. A higher-scoring submission may lead to Gold accreditation.
Client Supply Chain Access
Keep your profile up-to-date so approved clients can verify your status directly through the SafeContractor portal.
Is it worth it?
At £700, the question isn’t the fee — it’s whether it wins you work. For electricians it usually does, because it’s the first thing a cautious customer or a commercial buyer checks. Most trades hold accreditations and then hide the logos in the footer. If you’ve paid for it, it belongs where customers actually look.
Apply via SafeContractor (Alcumus)
Tracking it
Accreditations lapse quietly. The renewal date lands in a busy month, nobody spots it, and you find out when a customer asks for the certificate. Gaffer keeps your accreditations, evidence and renewal dates in one place and reminds you before they expire.