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Assurance standards for our building contractors

Three people in hard hats and yellow hi vis vests work on constructing a wooden bridge
Construction work at Croome, Worcestershire | © National Trust Images/James Dobson

We look after special places for ever, for everyone, and building contractors play a key role in this. Find out about our assurance standards – which ensure we meet the standards expected of us as a leading conservation charity – and how to get started.

Why are assurance standards important?

Building contractors play an important role in looking after special places, by providing the skills and resources we need to deliver new projects and maintenance.

It’s important that all goods, services and works meet applicable legal and industry standards for competency, ethics and environment, financial health, insurance, licences and accreditations.

Our assurance standards for building contractors

You’ll need to be a fully verified member of Constructionline (Level2/Silver) or (Level1/Bronze – this level is only acceptable for small firms where turnover is less than £350,000 per annum) and a Health and Safety scheme accredited to Safety Schemes in Procurement (SSIP).

Checklists before you start

Please review these checklists to make sure you’re ready to sign up to Constructionline. Having all the required information and evidence to hand will make the process a lot easier.

Traditional Building Techniques used on Belton House Stables restoration
Traditional building techniques used to restore the stables at Belton House | © Messenger Construction

Get started in three steps

Register with Constructionline
Register with Constructionline and complete the assessment to Level 1/Bronze or Level 2/Silver.Sign up to Constructionline
Register with an SSIP scheme
Register with an SSIP scheme and provide details of this at the appropriate stage of your Constructionline assessment. Note that Constructionline offer their own SSIP assessment, Acclaim Accreditation.Details of SSIP schemes
Register with Proactis
If you’re a new supplier to the National Trust, you’ll need to register your details with our supplier management system.See our information for suppliers

Benefits of Constructionline membership

By joining Constructionline you’ll become part of a 45,000-strong community of likeminded suppliers. Representing over a quarter of the industry, Constructionline is the UK’s most connected and progressive provider of procurement and supply chain management services.

As well as meeting the Trust’s standards, there are many benefits to being a verified member of Constructionline and SSIP, including:

  • A single profile to keep updated to qualify for many large contracts, prevent duplication and save time and money
  • Tailored assessment, proving fitness to supply or identifying areas to improve
  • A more simple qualification process managed through a single solution
  • Access to the opportunities noticeboard to discover contract prospects relevant to your expertise
  • Hosted Meet the Buyer events

‘We’re committed to working with our suppliers in a way that protects our visitors, staff and volunteers, the places we look after and the environment. By working with Constructionline we bring professionalism, efficiency and consistency to the way we assess building contractors. This meets our business and legal requirements and adds value for contractors too.’

- Phil McGirr, Head of Building

The house reflected on the lake at Croome, Worcestershire

For everyone, for ever

We protect and care for places so people and nature can thrive. Find out who we are and what we stand for.

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Information for suppliers 

We always aim to work with suppliers who share our values and avoid business practices that harm the environment or individuals and communities.

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