Construction businesses may be asked about SSIP when tendering for work, joining an approved contractor list or completing a client’s procurement checks. For those encountering it for the first time, it is not always obvious what is being asked for or why.
This blog explains what SSIP is, how the schemes work and why it may form part of the tendering and procurement process.
What Is SSIP?
SSIP stands for Safety Schemes in Procurement. It is an umbrella organisation for recognised health and safety assessment schemes used during contractor procurement.
Rather than being a certificate issued directly by SSIP, businesses are assessed through an SSIP member scheme. Contractors may come across different scheme providers depending on the clients they work with and the type of projects they tender for.
The purpose is to give clients a recognised way of checking that a contractor has been assessed against agreed health and safety criteria.
SSIP itself should not be confused with a general legal requirement for all construction businesses. Whether evidence of an SSIP assessment is requested will depend on the client, procurement process and work involved.
How Do SSIP Schemes Work?
A construction business seeking SSIP recognition will usually apply through an SSIP member scheme. The business is then assessed against the health and safety criteria used by that provider, with information and supporting evidence requested as part of the process.
The assessment looks at how health and safety is managed within the business. The exact information requested can depend on the provider and the nature of the organisation, so contractors should check what is required rather than assuming every assessment will be the same.
If something needs further information or clarification, the business may be asked to provide additional evidence before the process can be completed.
SSIP member schemes operate within the same wider framework, although the way an application is submitted and managed can differ between providers. This is why contractors may recognise several different scheme names while tendering for construction work.
Why Are Contractors Asked for SSIP?
Before appointing a contractor, clients may want evidence that the business has suitable health and safety arrangements in place. An SSIP assessment can form part of those checks, particularly where a client has its own contractor approval or procurement process.
These requests can come from principal contractors, developers or other organisations selecting companies to carry out work. The requirement will depend on the client and the project, rather than being something every contractor is automatically asked to provide.
An existing SSIP assessment may also reduce some duplication when health and safety information is requested. A client may recognise that assessment as part of its own checks, although further information could still be requested for the particular work involved.
SSIP and Tendering for Construction Work
SSIP can become relevant before work has been awarded. Tender documents or pre-qualification questionnaires may ask for details of an assessment completed through an SSIP member scheme.
Contractors regularly bidding for work may find it useful to have the relevant information available rather than trying to deal with it late in the tender process. An SSIP assessment does not necessarily replace other health and safety information requested by a client, particularly where questions relate to the specific project or work being proposed.
Tender documents should be checked early enough to establish what the client is asking for. Where SSIP forms part of the requirements, the contractor then has time to check what evidence is needed and deal with any outstanding work before the submission date.
How Hurst Setter Can Help with SSIP
Preparing for an SSIP assessment can involve reviewing existing health and safety arrangements and gathering the information requested by the chosen scheme. For a busy construction business, it is not always immediately clear what needs attention or where gaps may exist.
Hurst Setter can provide practical health and safety support to construction businesses preparing for contractor assessments and procurement requirements. The team can review the arrangements already in place and provide guidance where further work may be needed.
Need some help preparing for SSIP? Speak to Hurst Setter about the support available for your business.
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