Following the publication of PPN 03/24, which removes reference to PAS 91 meaning central Government departments and wider public sector bodies should use the Common Assessment Standard for pre‐qualifying suppliers, Build UK has finalised an updated version of the Common Assessment Standard. Version 4, which will be launched at the end of this quarter, includes a new Building Safety section, ensuring it can be used to demonstrate companies have the organisational capability to fulfil their duties under the Building Safety Act. It has also been consolidated and streamlined following the withdrawal of PAS 91, whilst continuing to provide the same level of assurance for stage 1 pre‐qualification.
The Common Assessment Standard has two levels of certification ‐ desktop and site‐based ‐ and companies apply to a Recognised Assessment Body for the certification level that is most appropriate for their business based on a range of factors including trade, size and the requirements of their clients. It is being specified by a growing list of clients and contractors, and several Build UK Trade Association members are also accepting the Common Assessment Standard as part of their membership audit schemes, further reducing duplication in the supply chain.