What CAS is designed to do
The Common Assessment Standard standardises supplier pre-qualification for construction and is intended to reduce duplicated questionnaires. It covers multiple organisational risk areas rather than health and safety alone.
CAS is not tied to one provider
Different recognised assessment bodies offer routes to CAS. For example, Constructionline aligns Gold with desktop verification and Platinum with a site-based audit, while CHAS identifies Elite as its CAS route and SMAS identifies Worksafe Pro as its CAS product. Your buyer may name the standard, a provider or both.
Public procurement wording must be read carefully
Government selection guidance refers to use of CAS questions for works contracts in relevant procurement contexts. It does not mean every private contract or every small works opportunity automatically requires the same membership. Follow the tender documents and obtain clarification where the wording is ambiguous.
Evidence should be proportionate and implemented
Applicable questions may cover company identity, financial standing, professional conduct, health and safety, environmental and quality management, equality, modern slavery, anti-bribery, information security, information management and building safety. Evidence must match the organisation and the work being assessed.
