Choosing the right level
Straight advice on Assessed versus Audited membership for the contracts you want to win.
The Scaffolding Association
Scaffolding Association membership support for UK contractors.
We help scaffolding contractors prepare for Scaffolding Association membership at every level — from Assessed membership through to Audited, the highest level the Association offers.
What we do
Practical help with your membership application
Based in Leeds, West Yorkshire, supporting scaffolding contractors across the UK. We prepare the scaffold-specific documents and evidence the Association looks for.
Gap analysis
We compare where you are now against the membership requirements, and agree what needs doing.
Scaffold-specific documents
Policies, procedures and records written around how your scaffolding business actually works.
SafeContractor first
No SSIP certificate yet? We can take you through SafeContractor first, then your Assessed membership.
Audit preparation
For Audited membership, we get you ready for both the desktop review and the on-site check.
Ongoing support
Help staying compliant as your business grows, and support when renewal comes round.
How it works
Your membership application, step by step
- 01
Gap analysis against the membership requirements
- 02
Scaffold-specific policies and documents prepared
- 03
Training records and evidence gathered
- 04
Application prepared with you
- 05
Audit preparation for both stages (Audited)
- 06
Ongoing support and renewals
Important: AccredSafe is an independent consultancy, not an accreditation body. We advise, prepare and support; you review, approve and submit your application. The Scaffolding Association makes the final decision and approval cannot be guaranteed.
Audited membership
The level scaffolding contractors should aim for
Audited membership involves a two-stage independent audit by a UKAS-accredited certification body. It starts with a desktop review of your policies, procedures, training records and incident reporting, followed by an on-site check that those arrangements are actually being followed.
You're assessed against a scaffolding-specific procurement standard built around PAS 91, the prequalification standard used by public-sector clients and main contractors. For clients, Audited membership is clear, independent proof of competence — and it can open the door to larger and public-sector contracts.
Membership support prices
What Scaffolding Association support costs
Scaffolding Association support
- Assessed membership£225
- Assessed membership (SafeContractor first)£550
- Auditedfrom £1,250
The prices above are our consultancy support fees. The scheme's own membership and assessment fees are paid to the scheme and are separate.
Common questions
Scaffolding Association FAQs
What's the difference between Assessed and Audited membership?
Assessed membership relies on a general SSIP certificate. Audited membership is the highest level the Association offers: a two-stage independent audit by a UKAS-accredited certification body, against a scaffolding-specific procurement standard built around PAS 91.
Which level should my scaffolding business aim for?
Audited membership is the level to aim for. Local authorities, house builders and major contractors increasingly look for it when building tender lists, so it can open the door to larger and public-sector contracts. We can start with Assessed and build up.
Why is it £550 if I go through SafeContractor first?
Assessed membership relies on a general SSIP certificate. If you don't already hold one, we can take you through SafeContractor first and then prepare your Assessed membership — the combined support is £550.
Do you guarantee I'll be accepted?
yes, we've never had one not pass!
Ready to join the Scaffolding Association?
Book a free review and we'll look at where your business is now, which membership level fits the work you're chasing, and the practical steps to get there.