Why CIAPS?
The Construction Industry Accredited Performance Scheme (CIAPS) is the first inspected certification service for the construction industry that enables both clients and main contractors to select partners and suppliers by objective assessment of a company’s competencies and standards, which is validated by an independent audit conducted to the BS EN 45011 standard by a UKAS-accredited certification body. Furthermore CIAPS is the first inspection service to address the procuring clients’ requirement to demonstrate that their projects meet the Strategic Forum’s ‘Construction Commitments’.
CIAPS enables a company to transparently demonstrate its achievement of, and adherence to, a universal set of standards and competencies at pre-qualification stage, thereby providing a competitive advantage over those companies who cannot demonstrate these same standards.
CIAPS is a flexible service that enables a company' select the most appropriate standard, with endorsements if required, to match its commercial needs. The scheme embraces all construction sectors including the professions.
CIAPS is by far the most comprehensive scheme of its kind yet established. It is unique because it has been developed by the industry for the industry. Private and public sector clients alike need simple, fast and structured access to the company information when preparing frameworks and/or invitations to tender; accordingly the CIAPS database is web-enabled. Registered clients are able to browse and search company information. The database also allows real time updating online by companies and certification bodies.
Which level is appropriate for my company?
CIAPS ‘Listed’ is primarily designed for the smaller company that will normally be a 2nd or 3rd tier subcontractor level in a supply chain that needs to demonstrate they have the appropriate business structure and policies in place, together with public and employee liability insurances. Health & Safety policies are subject to a biennial CHAS compliance assessment and financial probity is evaluated annually by Graydon UK Ltd.
CIAPS ‘Accredited’ is the scheme’s ‘mainstay’ level. It is designed for companies that actively interface with clients and other participants in the supply chain. At this level all the information submitted for the ‘Listed’ level, together with full CHAS or Safe Contractor accreditation and financial probity elements, is subjected to annual independent inspection to the BS EN 45011 standard by a UKAS-accredited Certification body.
For those companies that want to demonstrate advanced competencies to clients or participate in formal partnering arrangements and/or act as prime contractors or cluster group leaders in larger projects, there is the opportunity to seek a CIAPS ‘Endorsement’ in one or more of the Construction Commitment disciplines.
What is CIAPS ‘Listed’?
CIAPS ‘Listed’ is the primary level at which all the core information is collected. It gives a strong message to clients of a company’s bona fides together with its management capability and business aspirations. It also provides the springboard to accreditation. There is no obligation to progress to the ‘Accredited’ level as this step is entirely a business decision and for many companies there is no need to progress further than the 'Listed' level. The ‘Listed’ level is particularly relevant to those smaller companies, with limited supply chain responsibility as a subcontractor or supplier, that need to demonstrate they have the appropriate business structure, policies and key insurances in place.
What are the benefits offered by Zurich Insurance to CIAPS accredited companies?
Working in partnership with CIAPS , Zurich Insurance has developed a unique insurance facility for construction companies that are CIAPS members in recognition of the independently validated competencies and standards. This facility is a rating model that provides registered companies with preferential rates at all levels.
In addition, accredited and endorsed registered companies will benefit from a unique cash rebate* clause designed to reward superior performance. The scale of benefit is correlated to the CIAPS levels and is, therefore, aspirational in make-up :
Accredited Endorsed
If there are no claims 15% 20%
If claims do not exceed 40% of premiums 10% 15%
If claims do not exceed 50% of premiums 7.5% 10%
If claims do not exceed 60% of premiums 5% 5%
* subject to renewal and the Employer's Liability, Public Liability and Contractors All Risks covers being held by Zurich. The rebate is paid in cash and is not a discount off the next renewal. Currently this facility only applies to Contractors and is not extended to professional advisors (i.e. those requiring Professional Indemnity insurance) or manufacturers. See here.
For a quotation, construction companies should ask their insurance broker to contact Paul Furness at Zurich Construction, t: 0121 697 8789; e:paul.furness@uk.zurich.com , quoting “ CIAPS / Zurich Insurance Facility”
Can clients see all my company's information?
Private and public sector clients alike need simple, fast and structured access to company information when preparing frameworks and/or invitations to tender; accordingly the CIAPS database is web-enabled. A key feature of CIAPS is its ‘state of the art’ web-enabled secure database that procuring clients may register for free access.
There are two levels of access for clients. The first is a low level simple ‘search and contact’ facility that is open to any registered client and only the company's certification status and overview is displayed. The second higher level is restricted to those clients that lead a closed group in the CIAPS ssytem. This allows them to compare companies’ complete profiles and download information if required – provided the company has granted permission. As the website has very intuitive navigation the resultant savings in administrative burden for local authority clients are profound and substantial cost savings may be realised.
What do I need to become CIAPS 'Listed'?
First, you need to complete a ‘company information profile’ (CIP) online. Second, you need your health & safety policy and related information assessed by CHAS or aneqiuvalent scheme. In addition CIAPS draws down, if available, financial probity information from Graydon Ltd and displays it as a part of your company’s CIP.
The information presented in your CIP needs tCIP it by uploading some relevant documentation that underpins it. complete a ‘company information profile’ electronically online and support it by uploading the following underpinning documentation:
- Copy of a ConstructionLine Certificate (if held). Constructionline Certificate (if held)
- Copy of CHAS, Safe Contractor or equivalent certificate
- Copy of Certificate of Incorporation/and any change of name certificates (if held)
- Copy of HM Customs and Revenue's Certificate of Registration for VAT
- Copy of latest audited accounts or certified statement of turnover
- Copy of the company's Quality Policy or Statement
- Copy of the company's Health and Safety Policy or Statement
- Copy of the company's Environmental Policy or Statement
- Copy of the company's Equal Opportunities Statement/policy
- Copies of public liability and employers liability insurance certificates
- Copies of professional indemnity insurance and/or all risks insurance certificates (if held)
- Copy of the company's complaints procedure
- Copy of the company's Training Plan
- Diagram of formal management structure (if available)
What is a 'Company information Profile' (CIP)?
This is an online questionnaire that covers over 330 pieces of management information in 13 topical sections including finance; health & safety; insurance; management procedures; customer care; human resources, equal opportunities, training, quality assurance and technical capability. Many of the questions just require simple yes/no answers and guidance notes are adjacent to the questions.
Completing this electronic ‘Company Information Profile’ (CIP) may appear at first to be a lengthy procedure. In fact, its completion is straightforward and may be undertaken in manageable ‘chunks’. You are not obliged to complete it at one sitting – you can save your work at regular intervals (e.g. having completed a section) and return/reopen it later to complete further sections. However, it is recommended that you familiarise yourself with the whole CIP before starting to complete it.
How do I apply to become CIAPS 'Listed'?
CIAPS is relevant to all construction sectors and to the full spectrum of service companies that serve the industry. Application is done by registering online for membership and completing a company information profile. Listed level certification is automatically sought on completion.
Can branches and subsidiary companies join CIAPS?
At present, incorporated subsidiary companies are treated as individual applicants with full fees applying. Generally speaking, in the case of companies with branch offices, the head office is CIAPS member that is inspected annually together with a proportion of branches. However, there is nothing precluding a branch becoming a CIAPS member in its own right.
How long does it take to become CIAPS 'Listed'?
Typically about 4 weeks - depending on how quickly the supporting documents are uploaded. Under the scheme rules failure to complete within 8 weeks could lead to the application lapsing.
How do I pay?
Payment can be by BACS or cheque. Proforma invoices are supplied automatically upon registration. An online facility to pay by using a Debit or Credit Card is currently under development.
Can I get training to prepare for certification?
Training programmes are available for micro and small businesses from CELL accredited training providers. The courses are Essential E Introduction to Business (ITEC), Essential E Introduction to Sustainability (ITEC) and Essential E Introduction to H & S (CELL).
Funding streams which subsidise construction training programmes are often difficult to identify because the funding organisations differ from region to region. Accordingly, funding and/or sponsorship cannot be guaranteed; our experienced training providers will identify subsidies available at the time of enquiry. Currently SME’s have been able to offset much of their training costs through grant aid which has included European Regional Development Fund support.
Further funding may be available from ConstructionSkills for those companies in scope.
What benefits does CIAPS 'Listed' level offer me commercially?
CIAPS ‘Listed’ enables a company to efficiently disclose to its clients and supply chain partners certain key information about the policies and practices by which it is managed. This provides the ‘Listed’ company with a competitive advantage over those companies that cannot or are unwilling to do so. CIAPS ‘Listed’ companies are displayed to public and private sector clients alike, and to those main contractors, that are looking to set up supply chains. Domestic clients are also able to view these companies' summaries provided they register as a user.
CIAPS 'Listed' status is regarded by many as both a first step in serious business development and a valuable marketing tool. It assists in winning financial support for company training programmes. Because CIAPS ‘Listed’ also reduces risk for insurance purposes, e,g. by confirming that a H & S policy assessment has been undertaken, favourable insurance terms may be secured e.g. from Zurich UK Ltd.
Why do clients use CIAPS companies?
Public and larger private clients use CIAPS primarily because it enables them facilitate their risk assessments and satisfy their due diligence requirements whilst profoundly simplifying their procurement process.
Do I need to be registered with CHAS?
Not necessarily. CIAPS requires an independent Health & Safety assessment and currently accepts CHAS ‘compliance’ at the ’Listed’ level and CHAS ‘accredited’ or Safe Contractor ‘accredited’ at the ‘Accredited’ level.
What is the CIAPS "Accredited" level?
Client groups in the public and private commercial sectors are becoming persuaded of the gains possible by procuring construction services on a best value basis using integrated supply chains with proven standards and competencies. CIAPS ‘Accredited’ companies may not only confirm through independent audit that they have the skills and have achieved the standards required to deliver consistent best value and continuous improvement but also enable clients to monitor these critical business parameters in real time.
The CIAPS ‘Accredited’ level provides a single, universal industry standard to meet the objective pre-qualification client requirements. Other industry registers have sought to address a variety of client criteria but none provide an objective, comprehensive and independently accredited data set which is subject to annual inspection. Access to this verified information significantly reduces the risk assessments that clients are often obliged to undertake and also markedly improves their due diligence defence.
This level builds on the CIAPS ‘Listed’ level by confirming (through an annual inspection by a UKAS-accredited certification body) the company’s policies, practices, procedures and their correct application.
This inspection is usually in two parts. First, it verifies that the standards and requirements are fully understood, that documentary procedures are in place to meet the requirements and are being correctly operated. Second, site visits verify that the requirements and procedures are being met in a practical manner at the point of delivery to the client. Any weaknesses identified by the inspection could result in a 'non-conformance', however, a reasonable period of time is allowed for remedial procedures to be implemented by the company.
CIAPS is a flexible service that enables a company' select the most appropriate standard, with endorsements if required, to match its commercial needs. The scheme embraces all construction sectors including the professions.
Do I need to become CIAPS 'Listed' before becoming CIAPS 'Accredited'?
Not necessarily because a company can apply for the CIAPS ‘Accredited’ level at initial registration. It will, however, automatically become CIAPS ‘Listed’ during the time between a satisfactory completion of the CIP and submission of the documentation (including CHAS and financial probity clearance) and the completion of the inspection. Only the accredited fee is charged.
How long does it take to become CIAPS 'Accredited'?
On average it takes about 12 weeks. The deadline for completing the Accredited level’s certification inspection is 16 weeks after the registration date.
What are the commercial benefits of being 'Accredited' rather than 'Listed'?
First, clients favour CIAPS ‘Accredited’ companies because they receive real time validation of companies’ competencies and founding which has been confirmed by independent inspection against the industry standards approved by CIAPS.
Second, insurers can be confident that risk assessments of a company’s liabilities have been undertaken and are current. Zurich UK Insurance, acknowledging the reduction in risk, currently offers preferential terms to ‘Accredited’ companies.
Finally, CIAPS ‘Accredited’ companies have a unique platform for promoting their high level competencies and thereby enhance their market standing.
What are the benefits of 'certification' in construction?
For clients, these may be summarised as:
- a consistent approach to contractor, consultant and supplier vetting;
- objective, time aligned certification of suppliers;
- the provision of validated data, which helps satisfy clients’ due diligence responsibilities:
- benchmarking that fosters continuous improvement;
- procurement efficiency savings; and
- performance analysis at both general and project level.
For suppliers and contracing companies, these may be summarised as:
- clarity in the standards required by clients;
- unity in the core standards required by different clients;
- verifying the quality of work of downstream supply chains by proof of attainment;
- focus to the training programmes, at all levels, to assist in the achievement of the required standard;
- assistance with improving performance by facilitating benchmarking & continuous improvement programmes;
- marketing gains for contractors, consultants and suppliers;
- a reduction in compliance costs, and
- a service that is available/applicable to all industry sectors and all supply side organisations e.g. consultants, architects, etc.
For the construction industry, these may be summarised as:
- maintenance of best practice as each annual audit addresses any changes since the previous audit:
- analytical overview (derived from non-conformance figures) could be generated;
- continuous improvement in performance and professionalism through ongoing continuous professional development (CPD) and other mechanisms, to achieve client specifications;
- proof of participation in recognised management programmes spanning the whole spectrum of construction; and
- the monitoring of company performance and the relevant project KPIs.
Can I become 'Trustmark' registered via CIAPS?
CIAPS member companies are able to gain TrustMark certification via a supplementary application to BM Trada Certification Ltd., who are a TrustMark scheme operator. All Trustmark companies must be able to offer an insurance backed warranty. In most cases the additional charge for TrustMark registration will be minimal. Details are available from BM Trada Certification Ltd.
What is CIAPS 'Endorsement'?
After becoming CIAPS ‘Accredited’, companies may wish to demonstrate an additional or high level competency in one or all of the Construction Commitments disciplines e.g. Procurement and Integration.
It is anticipated that in most cases companies will have undertaken detailed training in these disciplines before seeking the endorsement certification, however, if the company believes training is not necessary then the facility exists for the company to go forward for endorsement certification bypassing the accredited stage. Where the company follows the training programme, it is usual to give itself time to ‘bed in’ what has been learnt by deferring inspection until the next certification anniversary. However, if it so wishes, it is possible for a company to seek endorsement certification for some or all of the elements before their next renewal inspection.
What is the purpose of attaining a CIAPS 'Endorsement' ?
The value comes from establishing the ability to deliver to the Construction Commitments e.g. in the Procurement & Integration module it is to deliver high quality work to time and to agreed cost, along with a commitment to continuous improvement. Most contracting firms have systems and processes that have been introduced to achieve just this. However, there is little integration or commonality between standards that support partnering. In addition, the absence hitherto of a means by which companies at all levels can readily demonstrate a consistency of approach, methodology and partnering culture has led to increased costs for the supply side. Much of these increased costs result from having to respond to a variety of overlapping questionnaires and inadequate registration schemes.
What are the benefits of CIAPS 'Endorsement'?
Attaining an endorsement is for companies who might want to take their place in partnering arrangements through roles as prime contractors or cluster group leaders in larger projects, or demonstrating that they have achieved the highest levels of understanding and expertise in specific disciplines.
What are the key features of the CIAPS certification system?
- Savings
a) CIAPS systems can be used by prime suppliers to establish integrated supply chains based on validated risk and to remove the hassle of verifying and maintaining in-house sub-contractor lists.
b) No special software is required to use CIAPS systems. The system has very intuitive navigation so the resultant savings in administrative burden are profound.
c) Clients and its partners can administer their own scheme if they wish or CIAPS can manage it on their behalf.
- Flexibility
a) Clients and their partners can set/add/amend the ‘criteria’ in house without recourse to CIAPS or expensive software development.
b) Participating companies have freedom of choice over certification bodies - certification inspections can be combined with other scheme’s audits.
c) Participating companies can, if they wish, choose their training providers - and training can be combined with other programmes.
- Transparency
a) All CIAPS certification systems are transparent. The standard system exerts no obligation on a participating company to progress to a level that is beyond its commercial needs.
b) Participating companies own their datasets and may draw down all or part of their dataset to support a PQQ.
c) The standard system would give clients simple, fast and well structured access to the company information when preparing frameworks and/or invitations to tender.
- Security
The CIAPS software and data are hosted centrally on secure servers that are supported by a full back-up and disaster recovery service. This allows real time updating online by companies, training and certification bodies.
What is the case for accreditating compliance with the Construction Commitments?
It is acknowledged that for the adoption of the Strategic Forum’s Construction Commitments to meet 40% of public sector procurement by 2010 and 60% before 2012, a comprehensive programme is required to assist all sectors of the industry, including clients, become equipped to meet the challenge that is specific to each. However, for the culture of trust and transparency that is essential for the Construction Commitments to be realised, confidence in the competency of each of the participating organisations, and their employees too, is essential. The simplest and elegant way to achieve this is by the adoption of linked accredited certification schemes, drawn together with an overarching homologating web presence.
Such a mechanism not only secures the objectives, prescribed by the Secretary of State, but also equips all sectors to achieve the standards required to accord with the Commitments. Furthermore in a properly structured programme other benefits will accrue e.g. to the supplier resulting from the provision of a marketing platform to display their skills and accomplishments.
One competency that has not, until recently, been addressed in construction is quality management within a supply chain (unlike the automotive industry which is certificated to the ISO/TS 16949 standards). CIAPS addresses this need by drawing together relevant existing standards into one overarching service.
Who sets the standards in the CIAPS scheme?
The standards are set by CIAPS in close consultation with industry. The overarching policy of CIAPS regarding the setting of standards has been to use, whenever possible, the accepted standard existing within the industry e.g. for Health & Safety to use CHAS/ISO 18001 and for customer quality and environmental management to use ISO 9001:2000 and ISO 14001:2004 respectively. This has the added benefit that CIAPS compliance acts as a business improvement tool, helping consolidate best practice principles and achieving greater productivity and profitability.
Why do I need to renew my membership each year?
In reality re-registration at the 'Listed' level should be a straighforward provided a review of the ‘company information profile’ (CIP) has been completed. Note: only those sections where changes have occurred need be updated. However, for the ‘Accredited’ level and endorsements, the re-inspection confirms that company policies, practices and standards have been maintained, Nevertheless, however, it is the responsibility of the company to ensure that all the information in the CIP is kept up to date thriughout the year.
Who runs the IT technology that underpins the CIAPS scheme?
CIAPS recognises that company information must be made available with the utmost care and integrity. Therefore, the scheme’s underpinning database and website are of the highest secure specification and are designed to make company participation easy and client use straightforward. The design and hosting of the CIAPS service is by Everysite Ltd. who currently operate similar accreditation databases in the agriculture and food industries.
How does CIAPS compare with other industry registers?
CIAPS provides a single, universal industry standard to meet the objective pre-qualification requirements of procuring clients. Other industry registers have sought to address specific client need but none have sought the annual and systematic independent accreditation to BS EN 45011 of a core set of company data. CIAPS significantly reduces the risk assessments that procuring clients are often obliged to undertake and also markedly improves their due diligence defence.
Who are the Certification Bodies?
There are over fifty Certification Bodies in the UK but not all are accredited by UKAS under ISO/IEC 17021:2006 (Conformity assessment - requirements for bodies providing audit and certification of management systems) to operate in all sectors of construction. See www.ukas.com.
How do clients register with CIAPS?
Clients are able to apply for access the CIAPS database via the client registration page.
There are also additional services available e.g. a 'tracker service' if you need live coverage of many contractors, an advanced search and screening facility into the full information held on member companies, the ability to build lists of suppliers, downloading full company profiles, the facility to manage/and communicate with closed groups, etc. The second step of the registration form asks you to select the level of service that you initially wish to apply for. If you elect for the free service, you can request to upgrade at any time by emailing the CIAPS Registrar using the 'Contact us' page.
How does CIAPS help public sector clients?
The CIAPS database is totally web-enabled because clients need simple, fast and structured access to the company information when preparing frameworks and/or invitations to tender. Clients are able to browse, search or download company information and, electronically invite responses to specific questions from individual or groups of companies.
The CIAPS database also allows real time updating online by companies and certification bodies. There are two levels of access open to clients. The first is a simple ‘search and contact’ facility. The second level allows a client to compare companies’ complete portfolios and download information as required. As the website has very intuitive navigation the resultant savings in administrative burden are profound and substantial cost savings may be secured.
How does CIAPS help 'major contractor' clients?
CIAPS also enables principal contractors to quickly establish integrated supply chains based on an objective register by meeting the need for accredited risk assessment of potential supply chain partners and removing the hassle of verifying in-house sub-contractor lists.
The CIAPS database is totally web-enabled because contractors need simple, fast and well structured access to the company information when preparing supply chains and responding to frameworks and/or invitations to tender.