Guide
SMAS vs CHAS
SMAS often comes up in housing and local authority work. Here is how it compares with CHAS, and whether you need both.
The short answer
SMAS Worksafe and CHAS are both SSIP member schemes that assess your health and safety management against the same SSIP core criteria. The health and safety evidence you prepare is the same for either, and a valid certificate from one is recognised by the other through Deem to Satisfy. SMAS, run by Safety Management Advisory Services Ltd, is especially common in social housing, housing associations and local authority frameworks. CHAS is a founding SSIP member widely specified across construction and public sector works.
Where they are the same
- The standard. Both assess against the SSIP core criteria endorsed by the Health and Safety Executive.
- The evidence. A signed policy, risk assessments and method statements, training records, insurance and the rest of the core criteria.
- Mutual recognition. Deem to Satisfy means one is recognised by the other for the health and safety element.
- Annual renewal. Both certificates last twelve months.
Where they differ
The main difference is audience. SMAS Worksafe is popular in social housing, housing associations, local authority frameworks and housebuilding, and is open to sole traders through to large companies. It also offers a Worksafe Pro tier that includes the Common Assessment Standard. CHAS, now Veriforce CHAS, is a founding member with broad recognition and tiers up to Elite that map to the Common Assessment Standard. Where your clients sit determines which is the more useful first choice.
For electrical contractors
Electrician CHAS pack · £95
One set of health and safety documents prepares you for either scheme, because both use the SSIP core criteria. Written for electricians, ready to adapt.
Which should you choose?
Choose the scheme your clients name. If you work mainly in social housing or for local authorities, SMAS is often specified and may be the practical first choice. If your clients name CHAS, start there. Because of Deem to Satisfy you can usually add the other later without repeating the health and safety assessment, though you still pay the second scheme's membership fee. Paying for both up front is seldom necessary.
Related guides
Read what CHAS is, what SSIP is, and how Deem to Satisfy works.
Common questions
What is the difference between SMAS and CHAS?
Both are SSIP member schemes assessing against the same core criteria, so the health and safety evidence is the same. The main difference is audience: SMAS Worksafe is common in social housing and local authority work, while CHAS is a founding member widely specified across construction and public sector works.
Do I need both SMAS and CHAS?
Usually not. A valid certificate from one is recognised by the other through Deem to Satisfy, so most contractors hold the one their clients name and add the other only if needed, paying the second scheme's membership fee to appear on its portal.
Is SMAS an SSIP scheme?
Yes. SMAS Worksafe, run by Safety Management Advisory Services Ltd, is an SSIP member scheme, so it assesses against the SSIP core criteria and its certificate is recognised by other SSIP schemes through Deem to Satisfy.
Which is better for housing work, SMAS or CHAS?
SMAS Worksafe is especially common in social housing, housing associations and local authority frameworks, so if your clients are in that sector SMAS is often the scheme they name. Always confirm with the specific client.