CHAS vs SafeContractor vs Constructionline: Which Should You Get?

Last reviewed: 16/09/2026. This is the definitive three-way comparison of CHAS vs SafeContractor vs Constructionline — cost, assessment depth, renewal cycle, and exactly which one a 1–12 person subcontractor actually needs, by scenario.

All three are SSIP (Safety Schemes in Procurement)-approved, so for satisfying a basic SSIP requirement they are interchangeable. The honest difference is this: CHAS (the Contractors Health and Safety Assessment Scheme) and SafeContractor (run by Alcumus) are assessment schemes; Constructionline is a procurement database with a public directory buyers search. Choose on price for your size, turnaround, and — above all — which badge your clients name. Don't pay for more than one unless a client forces you to.

CHAS vs SafeContractor vs Constructionline: the full comparison

(CHAS pricing, checked 05/06/2026) · (SafeContractor pricing, checked 05/06/2026) · (Constructionline pricing, checked 05/06/2026)

Which one do you actually need? Verdict for a 1–12 person subcontractor

If you're a small subcontractor with no standing client requirement yet, don't buy any of these speculatively. Wait until a client or PQQ names a specific scheme, then buy that one. If a client only says "any SSIP", buy the cheapest entry tier for your headcount — that's usually Constructionline Bronze on price, though it's priced by turnover band rather than headcount so check where you actually land. If you regularly bid on public-sector or tier-1 framework work, Constructionline's public directory earns its keep beyond just the badge. Don't hold two SSIP memberships side by side — see "Do I need more than one accreditation?" below.

Decide by scenario

A main contractor asked for "SSIP" (not a named scheme). Any SSIP-approved certificate satisfies this under Deem to Satisfy — hold whichever of CHAS, SafeContractor or Constructionline is cheapest for your size and don't buy a second.

A public sector buyer asked for Constructionline. Public frameworks and larger tier-1 contractors often search the Constructionline directory directly, so a CHAS or SafeContractor certificate won't get you found even though the underlying H&S assessment is equivalent. You need a Constructionline listing at the tier the buyer specifies — see Constructionline Gold vs Silver vs Bronze.

A facilities management client asked for SafeContractor. FM and facilities-sector clients frequently name SafeContractor specifically, often because their own supply chain standardises on it. If that's the named requirement, buy SafeContractor rather than substituting CHAS — check with the client first, but a differently-named SSIP scheme is not always accepted without confirmation even though the schemes are mutually recognised in principle.

Do I need more than one accreditation?

Usually no. All three schemes are SSIP-approved, and under Deem to Satisfy a valid certificate from one is meant to be accepted in place of another for the core health & safety assessment. In practice you may end up holding two if: a public-sector client specifically requires the Constructionline directory listing on top of your existing CHAS or SafeContractor certificate; a client names the Common Assessment Standard, which only CHAS Elite and Constructionline Gold/Platinum include; or you're mid-renewal on one scheme when a new client's requirement lands. Outside those cases, holding two SSIP memberships is paying twice for the same core assessment — ask the client whether your existing certificate satisfies them before buying a second.

What each one is really for

• CHAS (Veriforce CHAS) — a long-established SSIP scheme. Founding SSIP member. Tiers run Standard → Advanced → Elite, with Elite adding the Common Assessment Standard. Priced by headcount. Detail in CHAS cost.
• SafeContractor (Alcumus) — another SSIP scheme, with plans that mostly differ on turnaround speed and assisted support rather than what's assessed. Lowest entry tier of the assessment schemes. Detail in SafeContractor cost.
• Constructionline — a database main contractors and public buyers search to find pre-vetted suppliers. SSIP is bundled on every tier; the higher tiers add standing checks and the Common Assessment Standard. Detail in Constructionline Gold vs Silver vs Bronze.

How to choose without overpaying

1. 1
   Get the requirement in writing. Ask each client which scheme(s) they accept. "Any SSIP" is the magic phrase — it means you can hold the cheapest one.
2. 2
   Price your actual size. CHAS and SafeContractor scale by headcount; Constructionline by turnover. The "from" prices rarely apply once you add staff or revenue.
3. 3
   Avoid duplicate SSIP. If you already hold one SSIP scheme, Deem to Satisfy means a new client should accept it without you buying a second.

Frequently asked questions

Is CHAS or SafeContractor better?

For meeting an SSIP requirement, neither is better — both are SSIP-approved and run a full core health & safety assessment, so they're equivalent on that score. Decide on entry price for your headcount, how fast you need the certificate, and which one your clients name.

Can I use Constructionline instead of CHAS?

If your client accepts "any SSIP" scheme, yes — Constructionline includes SSIP on every tier. If your client specifically names CHAS, you need CHAS. Always confirm what the client will accept before switching.

Do these schemes recognise each other?

Yes, for the core health & safety assessment. All three are SSIP members, so a valid certificate from one is accepted by the others under Deem to Satisfy. That recognition does not extend to financial vetting or the Common Assessment Standard — those are separate.

Do I need more than one accreditation?

Usually not for the core SSIP health & safety requirement — one certificate should satisfy any client asking for "SSIP". You may need a second if a client specifically requires the Constructionline directory listing, or names the Common Assessment Standard, which isn't covered by Deem to Satisfy. See "Do I need more than one accreditation?" above for the detail.

Which should a small subcontractor pick if no client has asked yet?

Don't buy speculatively. Wait for a client or PQQ to name a requirement, then buy the cheapest scheme that satisfies it for your headcount or turnover band. If you regularly bid public-sector or tier-1 work, a Constructionline listing is worth having ahead of time; otherwise it's an unnecessary annual cost.