Running a construction company requires a lot of time and effort.

Alongside ensuring that projects stay on track, you must ensure that they comply with the relevant risk and safety regulations.

Enter The Common Assessment Standard

First introduced in 2019, the Common Assessment Standard has now been fully rolled out, making construction compliance simple.

Despite being new, it is something that every UK construction company needs to know about. But if you’re unsure what the Common Assessment Standard is, what it involves, and how it can benefit your company, you’re in the right place.

This quick guide will take you through everything you need to know about the Common Assessment Standard. When you’ve finished reading, you’ll be ready to decide if it’s the right option for your business. Let’s get started.

What Is The Common Assessment Standard? 

First, the basics. The Common Assessment Standard is a new regulatory compliance and risk assessment accreditation scheme for the construction industry.

Contractors and project management professionals developed it to cover every area of regulatory compliance and risk assessment.

The Common Assessment Standard covers 13 areas of compliance and risk assessment:

• Identity
• Financial
• Corporate and Professional Standing
• Health and Safety
• Environmental
• Quality
• Equality
• Corporate Social Responsibility
• Information Security and GDPR
• Building Information Modelling
• Anti-Bribery and Corruption
• Modern Slavery.

The guiding principle of the Common Assessment Standard is to simplify compliance and risk assessment into a single form of certification. By completing a single form of accreditation that demonstrates total supply chain value, contractors can streamline their accreditations and prequalify for job opportunities. 

Why Is The Common Assessment Standard Important?

The Common Assessment Standard is becoming increasingly important in the construction industry. Many projects now require contractors to be accredited to be considered for the job. One of the most significant projects requiring certification recently was the HS2 railway project.

Even if it’s not a requirement, many clients prefer companies to have it due to the comprehensive risk criteria it covers. Contractors without the Common Assessment Standard may be at a competitive disadvantage and miss out on potential job opportunities. You can use the help of a trustworthy construction recruitment agency to get a constant supply of certified contractors and site workers for your project.

Additionally, supply chain managers working with non-accredited contractors may introduce unnecessary risk into their supply process. Contractors and supply chain managers in the construction industry should consider the Common Assessment Standard to stay competitive and minimize risk.

What Are The Benefits Of The Common Assessment Standard?

The benefits of Common Assessment Standard accreditation don’t end with winning bids and work. It also helps contractors to:

1. Improve Their Reputation

Common Assessment Standard certification demonstrates to clients, customers, and other stakeholders that an organization is committed to high standards. By becoming accredited, you show your clients the importance of health and safety, environmental protection, and quality management to your company and enhance your reputation and credibility.

2. Reduce Risk

By implementing the best practices outlined in the Common Assessment Standard, your company can reduce the risk of accidents, incidents, and other adverse outcomes. This can lead to a safer working environment for employees and reduced liability for your business.

3. Cut Costs

Implementing the practices required to achieve accreditation can help your business to streamline its processes, reduce waste, and improve efficiency. This can result in cost savings and improved profitability.

4. Improve Compliance

Common Assessment Standard certification helps your business meet regulatory requirements and demonstrate compliance with relevant laws and regulations. This can help you to avoid fines, legal action, and other consequences of non-compliance.

How to Get Common Assessment Standard Accreditation

The Common Assessment Standard certification process is similar to most other types of accreditation. To start, you fill out a questionnaire and provide any necessary supporting documentation. The application can be completed online and is granted once all requirements are fulfilled.

This streamlined process has been designed to save time and reduce the repetition often experienced when seeking multiple accreditations from various providers. All you need to do is apply through a company that offers accreditation, like risk management experts CHAS.

One of the best things about accreditation is that the Common Assessment Standard is not exclusively owned or operated by a single organization. So if you’ve been certified by one provider, you’ll be recognized as a Common Assessment Standard-approved construction business by all providers who offer the certification.

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