Build UK developed new PQ system goes live

Build UK developed new PQ system goes live

The Common Assessment Standard (CAS) was developed by Build UK to reduce the need for companies to have numerous different certifications – and the pre-qualification system is now up and running following the introduction of data sharing.

The implementation of the new data sharing solution enables contractors and clients to obtain key PQ data on their suppliers from any Recognised Assessment Body, regardless of which one carried out the certification to the Common Assessment Standard. This means they will no longer need to specify a particular assessment body for their supply chain. The data is updated in ‘real time’, and it will be shown where a company’s certification has lapsed if they have not provided updated information. Data is shared only where a company has provided their consent.

The Common Assessment Standard is an industry‐agreed question set with two levels of certification ‐ desktop and site‐based ‐ and companies can apply to any one of three Recognised Assessment Bodies to get the appropriate level dependent upon their trade, size and requirements of their clients. For companies that employ fewer than 10 employees and have a turnover below £1.8 million or a balance sheet total less than £1.8 million, the assessment standards will be applied in a proportionate way. CHAS, Achilles and Constructionline can all be used– so AFI members can access discounted rates for accreditation with CHAS for Common Assessment Standard.

Common Assessment StandardAchillesCHASConstructionline
DesktopBuildingConfidence CAS Desktop Assessment  CHAS Premier (CAS)    Constructionline Gold
Site-BasedBuildingConfidence CAS Site Assessment  CHAS Premier (CAS) Assured  Constructionline Platinum  


AFI Board Member Adam Binns was involved in the development of CAS with Build UK and commented: “Just one audit with one assessment body is needed to obtain the #CommonAssessmentStandard which is now being required by a number of major contractors. So… make sure you have it.”

Find out more from Build UK here and read the guide to the question set here to help prepare for an audit.

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