We did it... CHAS accreditation secured for 2025–2026!

By Heather Wright, Group Head of Health & Safety at Lifeways 

Well, I’m so happy to say, we've passed with flying colours - and we’ve got the certificates to prove it! 

I’m absolutely delighted to share that Lifeways is officially Contractors Health and safety Assessment Scheme (CHAS) accredited for 2025 to 2026!   

This is another huge achievement for all of us and really reflects the hard work and dedication from teams right across Lifeways.   

To give you an idea of the scale, this year’s application involved us submitting 1,674 documents and pieces of evidence which is no small task! 

Here’s just a snapshot of what that included: 

• Social Value: 5 sections, 13 questions 
• Health & Safety: 20 sections, 74 questions 
• Mental Health: 1 section, 16 questions 

While the assessment was definitely more rigorous this year, the process of gathering data was a lot smoother thanks to our digital systems like SharePoint, Deputy, Radar, Nourish, and My Lifeways Learning.   

I want to give a special shout-out to our amazing Property Team who worked hard behind the scenes to gather contractor evidence, risk assessments and method statements, and it really made a difference. Thank you! #OneTeam 

More than a piece of paper 

But being CHAS accredited is about so much more than a certificate.   

It shows our ongoing commitment to high standards in health and safety, social value, and mental wellbeing. Safety is the bedrock of good quality, you can't deliver effective person-centred care and support without a solid foundation to build upon.  

It’s a reflection of how we live Lifeways’ CHOICE values of being caring, honest and courageous every day. It shows how we work as one team, welcome innovation, and promote equality, all while creating safe, high-quality support environments for the people we support and for each other. 

And now, well, it’s time to start preparing for next year’s assessment! 

Thanks again to everyone who played a part in this achievement. I couldn’t be prouder.   

You can view the certificates over on our accreditations page if you’d like to take a look: Regulations and ratings | Lifeways