Achilles construction accreditation: which Achilles scheme do you need?

If you’re looking for Achilles construction accreditation, the scheme you’re likely to need is Achilles BuildingConfidence. BuildingConfidence is Achilles’ supplier pre-qualification and auditing programme for the UK construction sector, helping buyers assess contractors and suppliers against recognised standards and wider compliance requirements.

Is BuildingConfidence the Achilles scheme for construction?

Yes, Achilles BuildingConfidence is specifically designed for construction and associated supply chains. It’s used by buyers to help pre-qualify and assess suppliers before they are brought into their supply chains.

BuildingConfidence incorporates Safety Schemes in Procurement (SSIP) and, at Gold membership levels, the Common Assessment Standard (CAS), alongside the wider supplier assurance provided through Achilles.

For a fuller explanation of the scheme itself, read our guide: What is Achilles BuildingConfidence? And for help achieving and maintaining the accreditation, learn more our Achilles BuildingConfidence Accreditation support.

Who might need Achilles BuildingConfidence?

The need for BuildingConfidence is commonly driven by the organisations a supplier wants to work with. A prospective client may require suppliers to hold BuildingConfidence membership or achieve a particular level before they can access certain opportunities.

It can therefore be relevant to contractors, subcontractors and other organisations supplying construction projects and associated sectors.

Not every construction business automatically needs BuildingConfidence. The important question is whether it is required by the buyers, projects or supply chains your organisation wants to access.

This is worth establishing before beginning the process, particularly because different buyers may expect different levels of supplier assurance.

What are the Achilles BuildingConfidence membership levels?

Achilles currently offers three principal BuildingConfidence supplier membership levels:

The appropriate level depends on the requirements that apply to your organisation and, importantly, the buyers you intend to work with.

Rather than assuming that the highest level is automatically necessary, businesses should establish what their target clients actually require.

Not sure exactly what your Achilles requirement covers?

If a client has asked for “Achilles accreditation,” it’s worth confirming precisely what that means before assuming it covers everything BuildingConfidence involves – the scope goes well beyond health and safety alone, and depending on membership level can extend into quality, environmental, and broader operational arrangements. Our guide to what BuildingConfidence covers sets this out in full.

What are SSIP and the Common Assessment Standard?

Both terms are likely to appear when researching Achilles construction accreditation.

SSIP – Safety Schemes in Procurement – provides a recognised framework for assessing health and safety competence and reducing unnecessary duplication between participating assessment schemes.

The Common Assessment Standard (CAS) provides a broader standardised pre-qualification framework used within the construction industry.

BuildingConfidence incorporates SSIP, while Gold CAS Desktop and Gold CAS Site also include Common Assessment Standard accreditation.

This is one reason it is important to understand exactly what a buyer is asking for rather than treating all forms of “Achilles construction accreditation” as interchangeable.

Does Achilles BuildingConfidence involve an audit?

It can, depending on the membership level required.

Gold CAS Desktop includes desktop assessment, while Gold CAS Site includes an on-site audit. Silver+ is intended for suppliers where Common Assessment Standard assessment is not required.

For a detailed explanation of the assessment itself, read Achilles BuildingConfidence Audit Explained: What to Expect and How to Prepare.

What if your construction business already has ISO certification?

Existing ISO certification can provide a strong foundation, and many construction businesses assume it settles the question. It usually doesn’t, quite – ISO audits and BuildingConfidence assessment test different things, and the gap tends to show up in specific evidence requirements rather than the overall system. Our audit guide covers exactly where that gap usually appears and how to close it.

What does getting Achilles BuildingConfidence involve?

The precise requirements depend on the membership level relevant to your organisation.

Broadly, businesses can expect to provide information about their organisation and management arrangements, together with appropriate supporting evidence. Gold membership levels involve additional Common Assessment Standard assessment.

If you already know that your organisation requires BuildingConfidence and need help achieving it, see our Achilles BuildingConfidence accreditation support service.

JVR Consultancy can establish what you already have in place, identify gaps and provide practical support with the requirements that apply to your organisation.

What if you’re not sure which Achilles accreditation you need?

Start with the requirement coming from your customer or prospective customer.

If a client has simply told you that your business needs “Achilles,” clarify the exact scheme and membership level they expect.

For construction organisations, BuildingConfidence is likely to be the relevant Achilles programme, but establishing the buyer’s precise requirement before beginning can prevent unnecessary work.

JVR Consultancy can also help businesses understand the requirement they have been given and determine what they need to do next.

Need help with Achilles construction requirements?

If you’ve been told your business needs Achilles approval for construction work and aren’t sure what that means, JVR Consultancy can help you establish the requirement before you begin.

If Achilles BuildingConfidence is the appropriate scheme, we can then review your existing arrangements and support your organisation with the applicable requirements.

Learn more about JVR Consultancy’s Achilles BuildingConfidence accreditation support.