All CHAS, no Dave!

Samka Architectural Solutions are now a fully Accredited Contractor as awarded by CHAS, Contractors Healther & Safety Assessment Scheme.

CHAS is established as the market leader for health and safety pre-qualification in the UK. It is available to suppliers (those who provide goods and services) and to organisations (buyers) looking for suitably competent suppliers. With 530 buyer members, over 46,000 suppliers on its database and 130 freelance assessors, CHAS is not only the largest but also the fastest growing health and safety assessment scheme in the UK. Accreditation gives assistance to buyers with regard to the suitability of a supplier with regard to Health and Safety. Accreditation is based on knowledge and safe systems of working. The aim of the scheme is to save time and resources by avoiding unnecessary duplication in the first stage of competence assessment; the CDM Core criteria.

When Samka Architectural Solutions approached CHAS with regard to accreditation an independent assessor was forwarded our application with the relevant paperwork provided. The process seemed daunting initially as the amount of information a supplier has to supply appeared immense. Once the initial shock of the enormity of the volume of forms to be submitted subsided and time was taken to actually look at what was needed it became apparent that what was being requested was what Samka Architectural Solutions provide on a daily basis so the fear dissipated.

Stephanie Bessant, TechIOSH, FIRP, Managing Director, spent time with her team to ensure that the information was collated and submitted with expediency. The assessor requested a few extra items and some clarification however within a matter of days the request for accreditation was confirmed.

On March 6th 2013 Samka Architectural Solutions received confirmation of accreditation and today the Certificate was delivered. Well done all at Samka Architectural Solutions, you should be proud of this well deserved accreditation.

As the person responsible for Health and Safety Stephanie ensures that the ethos of the company with regard to this important topic is positive and firmly believes, and upholds, a ‘no blame’ culture. All site employees are CSCS Registered, all Senior Fabricator Installers are SSSTS trained, the Production Manager holds a Gold CSCS Card and is SMSTS trained, the Commercial Director holds a Black CSCS Card and the Managing Director is NEBOSH qualified and holds TechIOSH membership.

Please do not hesitate to contact us if you are looking for an independent architectural metalworking organisation with CHAS Accreditation.

CHAS Background

In 1997 a group of health and safety and procurement professionals from across Great Britain worked with the Association of London Government (ALG) to develop CHAS. In 2001 CHAS became a web-based system.

CHAS started with two main aims.

1. To improve health and safety standards across Great Britain.
2. To reduce duplicated safety applications for both suppliers and buyers.

These days CHAS more than 500 public and private sector buyer organisations, such as councils, housing associations, NHS trusts, including a growing number of large private companies who employ sub-contractors.

About the author

Stephanie

Stephanie is a joint owner and Director of Samka Architectural Solutions, along side her husband, Nigel Bessant. Stephanie has overall responsibility for governance and leadership of the organisation, directing the Senior Management Team and with ultimate responsibility for HR, Training and Health and Safety. Stephanie is trained and certified by NEBOSH Construction and General Health and Safety. Outside of Samka, Stephanie is a member of a local initiative group working closely within the SME Forum to ensure that Berkshire remains a market leader for SME's. She has also been a trustee of Parents and Children Together (PACT) for the last 9 years and is actively involved in the charity's governance.