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SSIP Safety Schemes in Procurement

Safety Schemes in Procurement (SSIP) is an established mutual recognition framework for occupational health and safety standards, especially relevant to the construction and engineering industries. SSIP streamlines the pre-qualification process for contractors and suppliers by enabling certification from one approved assessment scheme to be accepted by other member schemes, reducing duplication and supporting consistency across the sector

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What is SSIP?

The SSIP framework was created to encourage mutual recognition among health and safety pre-qualification schemes, allowing suppliers to use a single SSIP-approved certification to meet the requirements of multiple buyers. This approach reduces both administrative workload and associated costs. SSIP is recognized throughout the UK and is endorsed by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE), which accepts SSIP certification as meeting Stage 1 Core Criteria for competence under the Construction (Design and Management) Regulations (CDM). By adopting SSIP, organizations can demonstrate robust contractor safety performance and provide assurance that they comply with established health and safety management standards, such as ISO 45001.

 

Why Choose Kiwa?

Kiwa provides a streamlined certification process for both SSIP and ISO 45001, combining both assessments into a single, efficient audit. Organizations benefit from the expertise of assessors with in-depth industry knowledge, ensuring audits are relevant and practical. Throughout the certification journey, Kiwa offers transparent and supportive guidance, helping clients navigate requirements with confidence. The certification mark issued by Kiwa is widely recognized and trusted across the UK construction sector, providing assurance of compliance and a strong commitment to health and safety standard. 

The certification process with Kiwa

    Initial Review

    Kiwa examines your current management system, safety documentation, and procedures to assess readiness for SSIP certification.

    On-Site Audit

    A qualified auditor visits your premises to evaluate compliance with ISO 45001 and SSIP standards.

    Certification Issuance

    Following a successful audit, Kiwa grants your SSIP certificate, which is automatically recognized by all SSIP member schemes.

    Ongoing Maintenance

    Certification remains valid through regular surveillance audits, ensuring continued compliance and recognition.

Benefits of the Service

Mutual Recognition

Be recognised by other SSIP member schemes such as CHAS, EXOR, and SafeContractor without multiple audits.

Reduced duplication

Eliminate the need for several overlapping safety certifications, saving time and resources.

Cost efficiency

Lower administrative and audit costs while maintaining compliance.

Simplified procurement

Streamline the pre-qualification process for tenders, bids, and contract approvals.

Demonstrated competence

Show buyers and main contractors that your organisation meets recognised safety requirements.

Improved reputation

Position your company as a trusted, safety-conscious partner within the construction industry.

Integration with ISO 45001

If your organisation is already certified to ISO 45001 – Occupational Health and Safety Management Systems, you can integrate SSIP certification easily.

Kiwa can assess SSIP compliance during your scheduled ISO 45001 audit, combining both into a single, efficient process.

Why SSIP matters

The construction and engineering supply chain is complex, with many layers of pre-qualification. SSIP helps simplify and standardise safety recognition, ensuring everyone — from clients and contractors to sub-suppliers — can work more efficiently while maintaining high safety standards.

SSIP provides a common foundation for:

  • Recognising health and safety competence across multiple schemes.

 

  • Reducing repeated audits and assessments.

 

  • Simplifying the procurement process.

 

  • Improving collaboration and confidence between buyers and suppliers.