SSIP core criteria explained for construction firms

The Safety Schemes in Procurement (SSIP) scheme provides a streamlined approach to construction health and safety pre-qualification policy. It helps contractors across the industry meet construction health and safety policy and industry-wide standards, without the need for multiple assessments.

At its core are 15 essential criteria, each designed to ensure compliance with the Construction (Design and Management) Regulations – and including three specifically aimed at designers, principal designers and principal contractors. But – of course – it’s not always straightforward to fully understand what’s needed and how you can benefit from SSIP certification.

This blog takes you through the SSIP scheme and the core criteria, step by step.

What is SSIP and its core criteria?

SSIP is an umbrella organisation that reduces Construction health and safety policy assessment duplication across projects. Rather than being assessed by multiple time-consuming and costly health and safety schemes, SSIP helps simplify and streamline the construction procurement processes, offering an easy route to prove health and safety competence.

By meeting the 15 SSIP core criteria, subcontractors can achieve a level of assurance that meets main contractors and buyer expectations, by showcasing their SSIP certification.

Here’s a detailed look at what each individual SSIP check criteria involves and why it’s important for your business.

The 15 core SSIP criteria

	1.	Health & safety policy and organisation – An up-to-date health and safety policy signed by a senior manager is essential. This document should clearly outline responsibilities across all levels of the organisation and signal a firm commitment to health and safety.
	2.	Health & safety arrangements – You’ll need a detailed management plan covering all aspects of health and safety. This includes drug and alcohol policies, mental health, fatigue management and wellbeing. It should be tailored to your business, with clear communication to employees.
	3.	Competent health and safety advice – Access to qualified health and safety advice is a must, whether it’s general guidance or specific construction-related advice. This ensures you have the expertise to address risks effectively.
	4.	Training and information – Regular and role-specific training, covering both employees and subcontractors, is required. A robust programme, including Continuing Professional Development (CPD), helps keep everyone up-to-date with health and safety best practices.
	5.	Individual qualifications and experience – All staff and subcontractors must be suitably qualified or experienced for their roles. This ensures everyone working on-site is competent and capable of safely performing their duties.
	6.	Monitoring, audit and review – Monitoring, auditing and reviewing your health and safety processes periodically is vital. This encourages continuous improvement and responsiveness to new challenges or regulations.
	7.	Workforce involvement – Effective workforce consultation on health and safety matters builds a safer work culture. Engaging with employees creates a more responsive and proactive approach to health and safety.
	8.	Accident reporting and enforcement action – Detailed records of reportable incidents and any enforcement actions, along with the steps taken to address these, should be maintained. SSIP checks these records against the Health and Safety Executive’s enforcement database.
	9.	Subcontracting and consulting procedures – SSIP-verified companies must demonstrate they assess subcontractors for competency and safety. This includes procedures for appointing, monitoring and reviewing subcontractor performance to maintain standards across projects.
	10.	Risk assessment leading to safe work systems – Implement a system for conducting risk assessments and establishing safe methods of work. For projects requiring a construction phase plan, this is an especially crucial component.
	11.	Coordination with other contractors – SSIP requires clear processes for coordinating work with other contractors on shared sites. This helps avoid misunderstandings and maintains a safe, well-organised workflow.
	12.	Welfare provision – Appropriate welfare facilities for employees, including washing, eating and rest areas are necessary. For construction projects, SSIP expects companies to ensure facilities are in place before work begins.
	13.	Hazard elimination & risk control (Designers & principal designers) – Designers and principal designers must meet criteria such as communicating health and safety duties to clients and coordinating design work effectively. Evidence should demonstrate how hazards are eliminated and risks controlled during the design process, with examples of risk reduction.
	14.	Principal designer duties (Principal designers) – SSIP requires principal designers help clients gather and share pre-construction information and ensure seamless communication and cooperation across the project team. Practical examples of collaboration and coordinated work should be provided.
	15.	Principal contractor – Principal contractors must ensure thorough site inductions are carried out. They need to provide health and safety file information to the principal designer and ensure fire safety details are handed to the responsible person before completion or occupation. A site-specific emergency plan must also be in place before work begins.

Additional criteria for designers and principal designers

For companies in design roles, additional criteria require measures for hazard elimination and risk control under CDM regulations, as well as specific arrangements for Principal Designers. Meeting these standards ensures safety is considered at every stage – from design through to project completion.

The value of SSIP core criteria compliance

For both main contractors and subcontractors, SSIP certification means a simpler way to prove health and safety competence. With many public sector clients and private contractors recognising SSIP, this certification helps reduce costs by eliminating the need for multiple health and safety assessments. It also provides peace of mind that your company is prepared to meet health and safety standards across a range of projects.

SSIP certification: Next steps for your business

To align with the SSIP Core Criteria, organisations can register with an SSIP member scheme, such as Once For All Health & Safety, and work towards certification. Once verified your company will be listed on the SSIP portal, making it easier for potential clients to verify your compliance and trust in your health and safety practices.

Step 1 For example, all Constructionline paid memberships come with SSIP certification through Once For All Health & Safety. When you start your SSIP journey with Once For All Health & Safety, a dedicated assessor will first review your account information to ensure accuracy. This includes sending the correct question set and confirming the number of employees.

Step 2 Your NEBOSH-qualified SSIP Assessor will then evaluate your submission question by question, and if additional evidence is required, they will specify what’s needed for the next review. Once you’ve provided everything needed to meet SSIP core criteria standards, you’ll either be verified, or advised on what to adjust for a second review.

Step 3 Upon verification, you’ll be able to download your Once For All Health & Safety SSIP certificate, and your SSIP portal information will be updated within 48 hours.

Ready to begin your SSIP journey?

By understanding SSIP and these core criteria, you’ll build confidence with clients, save time on repeated assessments and create safer, more efficient sites.

For more insights on SSIP requirements and guidance on passing SSIP checks, explore our expert tips on our knowledge base for suppliers page and download the Once For All Health & Safety Guidance. With detailed resources, you’ll be well-prepared for each step of the assessment.

To get started with SSIP, simply become a Constructionline member.