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To SSIP - Safety Schemes In Procurement

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Q&A - do we need multiple certifications?

Q. We thought that the days of having to obtain multiple certifications from the likes of Chas, Constructionline, SafeContractor, etc. were over. However, some of our clients are still insisting that we have specific certification rather than accepting what we have, even though they’re the same Safety Schemes in Procurement (SSIP) standard. So is there anything we can do?

Note. SSIP is an industry accreditation scheme that is predominantly for the construction sector (see The next step ).

A. Despite the fact that the HSE and others have clearly stated that having one SSIP certificate is enough, this is still frequently ignored.

Large clients and construction firms in particular often ask for specific SSIP accreditations and demand that those working for them have advanced assessments that look at HR, corporate social responsibility, bribery and corruption policies, etc.

Tip. There is no easy way around these demands. The requirements are set at high levels and often can’t be ignored by those awarding contracts. Be careful - promises of requirements being overlooked are unlikely to be possible. Always ask a prospective client what’s necessary early in the process.

For a link to the SSIP website, visit http://tipsandadvice-healthandsafety.co.uk/download (HS 18.08.08).