We're pleased to announce that we've gained CHAS Elite Assured status.

The Contractors Health and Safety Assessment Scheme (CHAS) allows companies to demonstrate health and safety compliance. There are three levels of CHAS accreditation: CHAS Standard, with SSIP accreditation, CHAS Advanced, which adds PAS 91 requirements, and CHAS Elite, which is the highest standard.

CHAS Elite, also called the Common Assessment Standard, is described as: "the UK construction industry’s pre-eminent prequalification system". It is the most comprehensive accreditation programme CHAS offers, and covers 13 key aspects of risk management.

To gain CHAS approval, independent assessors carried out a thorough audit, covering 13 different areas of risk management. Our audit was managed by our Managing Director, Dave Rainger.

• Identity — verify that the company's details and that it is operating legally

• Financial — check that the company has taken all steps necessary to reduce financial risks

• Insurance — ensure the company has the correct level of business insurance

• Corporate and Professional  Standing — check the company's measures against criminal activity, corruption, terrorism and human trafficking

• Health and Safety — the company has to demonstrate all the steps taken to protect workers, site visitors and the public from harm

• Environmental — confirm that the  company has taken the necessary steps to meet environmental management standards and reduce the environmental impact of projects

• Quality — confirmation that your company meets quality management standards to reduce risks and prevent problems

• Equality, Diversity and  Inclusion (EDI) — ensure that the company promotes equality and diversity in the workplace and that all people are treated fairly

• Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) — consider the company's impact on society

• Information Security — prove that the company protects personal data in line with the GDPR (General Data Protection Regulations)

• Information Management — check how the company develops, manages and controls design information

• Anti-Bribery and Corruption — verify procedures to prevent the company's people from giving or receiving bribes

• Modern Slavery — confirm the company's steps to assess and manage modern slavery and human trafficking risks

The CHAS Elite Common Assessment Standard was developed by Build UK, Civil Engineering Contractors Association (CECA), and other accreditation bodies and industry experts.