Approved Contractor
Standards Policy
Reference: HS_POL_FIN_ACS_2.0 Author: Greg Whelan

Scope: All contractors Approved by: ET

Legislation:

Health and Safety at Work Act
1974
Data Protection Act 1988
Bribery Act 2010
Equality Act 2010
Modern Slavery Act 2015
Health and Social Care Act 2008
(Regulated Activities)
Regulations 2014
Date of approval: January 2023

Date of next review: January 2026

Related
Policies: Health and Safety
Repairs and Maintenance
Asbestos Management
Electric Safety
Gas Safety
Water Hygiene & Legionella
Fire Safety
Equality, Diversion & Inclusion
Anti-Fraud, Theft & Bribery Policy
Data Protection
Probity Policy
1. Policy Statement

1.1 The Approved Contractor Standards provided at Appendix 1 set out the expectations
that Housing Solutions has of its contractors and sub-contractors whilst working on
behalf of Housing Solutions.
2. Scope

2.1 This policy and the associated Standards cover the requirements that apply to
contractors whilst working on behalf of Housing Solutions or any client or contractor of
Housing Solutions to ensure that the highest levels of contractor performance are
achieved whilst work activities are conducted in a suitable and safe manner.
2.2 This policy does not relieve the contractor of their responsibilities carried out on
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behalf of Housing Solutions or any client or contractor of Housing Solutions in
accordance with the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 and all other Acts and
Regulations where applicable pertaining to the work being undertaken.
2.3 It is the responsibility of the contractor to communicate the content of this policy to its
employees, and those of its Sub-contractors and to ensure that it is strictly
followed.
2.4 Failure to adhere to this policy will result in a review of the individual Contractor(s)
concerned, and a decision will be taken in respect of future employment with Housing
Solutions or any client or contractor of Housing Solutions.
2.5 Where applicable, this policy is referenced within Housing Solutions’ contract
documents.
3. Roles and Responsibilities

The following table outlines the roles and responsibilities in regard to this policy
Role Responsibility
Executive Team Approval of this policy
Assistant Director of Finance &
Procurement
To review and manage the delivery of
this policy
Heads of Service To ensure adherence to this policy
Procurement Manager To monitor contractors adherence to
this policy, report on non-compliance
with the policy and to promote the
policy during procurement discussions
Contractors To adhere to this policy in full
4. Definitions

4.1 Contractor – any person commissioned by Housing Solutions to provide goods or
services, who is not paid via the company payroll.
5. Legislation

5.1 The Health & Safety at Work Act 1974 places stipulations on employers, staff and
contractors to ensure a safe working environment and adherence to safe working
practices. A full list of relevant legislation is provided on the covering page of this policy.
6. Equality & Diversity
6.1 Housing Solutions recognises the needs of a diverse population and always acts within
the scope of its own Equality, Diversity & Inclusion Policy and Equalities Act 2010.
Housing Solutions works closely with its partners to ensure it has a clear understanding
of its resident community with clear regularly updated service user profiles. Housing
Solutions will record, analyse and monitor information on ethnicity, vulnerability and
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disability.
7. Review
7.1 This policy will be reviewed on a 3 yearly basis or more frequently in response to changes
in legislation, regulatory guidance, good practice or changes in other relevant Housing
Solutions’ policy.

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APPENDIX ONE
APPROVED CONTRACTOR STANDARDS

1. Code of Practice for Approved Contractors

1.1 The image that we present to our residents is important, so our contractors will:
• Be smart and clean in appearance
• Be friendly and courteous
• Be helpful and understanding
• Respect and show our values: Ownership, Inclusion, Teamwork and Innovation
1.2 Contractors should avoid
Any behaviour which is considered by residents to be:
• Rude or objectionable
• Excessively noisy, e.g., use of radios etc.
• Overly familiar, argumentative, harassing or intimidating
• Derogatory about customers, contractors, their employer or Housing Solutions
Contractors must not:

• Work under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs
• Smoke in or near residents properties.
1.3 Identification - the contractor will:
• Wear clear, easy to read, identification cards, in a prominent position on the
workers clothing, at all times, which includes:
• The workers name & photograph
• The company’s name
• The company’s address and telephone number
• Use a password if one has been arranged
• Encourage residents to call the workers company and/or Contractor if they are in
any doubt about the work or the worker.
• Show residents a letter or a works order, which confirms they have been
instructed to carry out work on behalf of Housing Solutions or any client or
contractor of Housing Solutions.
When requested contractors will be required to carry out DBS checks and provide
details to Housing Solutions.
1.4 Quality of workmanship
The contractor will carry out work to a high quality and standard as specified and
approved by us whatever the general state of the property.
This will include and not be limited to compliance with current Building Regulations,
British Standards, and any industry best practice guidelines.
Contractors will be required to provide photographs and notes of the work carried
out, either by way of email, completion report or uploading into a contractor portal.
1.5 Visits to residents homes / care homes
The contractor will:
• Take all reasonable steps to provide an appointment for residents when
arranging access to carry out works in their home. All appointments should be
booked within 24 hours of the repair being reported to the contractor and should
occur within the repair timescale set by Housing Solutions.
• Ask permission before entering a residents home or garden to carry out work.
• Inform and apologise to residents and their neighbours if the work is likely to
cause a nuisance due to dust, noise etc.
• Provide residents with a full explanation for any delay in starting or completing
work.
• Provide updates on revised dates for starting or completing the work.
• Notify as soon as possible if the visit has to be cancelled and apologise for any
inconvenience caused. Where possible a minimum of 24 hours notice will be
given.
• Arrange a mutually convenient time to visit for any further work.
• Ensure that sufficient notice is given when any disconnection of services or
interruption of access is necessary
• Ensure that, where appropriate, any statutory consents are obtained before work
commences and that any statutory notices have been applied for
• Ensure that wherever possible work activities are restricted to normal working
hours or that agreement has been received from residents and neighbours for
any work outside of this time
• Ensure that they do not attend a property where there is a lone minor (aged 16 or
under)
• Leave site immediately and report to Housing Solutions whenever they encounter
a threatening/potentially violent situation
• Ensure adequate care is taken in the protection of resident’s fittings, furniture,
and gardens with the use of dustsheets and screens as required
• Provide adequate warning and information notices regarding work in progress as
may be required.
• Ensure footpaths and rights of way are maintained in a safe condition at all
times.
• Not to use radios or other audio equipment whilst working in residents’ homes or
their immediate vicinity and to only use mobile telephones for business use
• Take reasonable precautions to prevent pollution from noise, smoke, dust or
rubbish.
• Remove all rubbish generated as a result of working in Housing Solutions
properties
• Ensure residents and property are left safe and secure before leaving site and
that all redundant items are removed from home and garden.
• Leave a card with the caller’s details if the tenant is not in, explaining the reason
for the call, providing the contact name, address, and telephone number.
• Not bring pets into or around residents property.
• Ensure that appropriate levels of self-hygiene are maintained
• Not park on footpaths, grassed areas and designated resident parking spaces /
disabled spaces etc.
• Make Housing Solutions aware of any safeguarding concerns through agreed
reporting roles or processes.
Housing Solutions will:
• Inform the contractor of any residents who are vulnerable or who should not be
approached alone
• For those residents identified as vulnerable or who should not be visited alone,
agree a suitable approach with the contractor to ensure the repair / works are
completed with the contractor and resident safety being prioritised.
1.6 Covid compliance or any such transmissible viruses
All visits must comply with the current guidelines set out by Government and
Public Health England. This may include ensuring that only operatives with up-todate vaccination status are sent to care homes, evidence of testing and wearing
PPE. If you are unsure what the current requirements are you must contact and
agree the necessary action with Housing Solutions.
Contractors must also make themselves familiar with the Housing Solutions Covid
Risk Assessments and RAMs.
1.7 Appointments
Appointments must be booked with the resident within 24 hours of having been
notified of the job and attended to within 14 days of being reported. Should a revisit be required with parts ordering, following the initial appointment the revisit
should be within a 21-day period. If an appointment is missed a charge of £15 will
be made to the contractor to compensate the resident.
1.8 Protection of resident’s belongings
The contractor will make sure that:
• Furniture, fittings, and carpets are protected by dustsheets. Items of furniture or
other possessions will be moved with residents permission if this offers further
protection.
• If items are breakable or valuable residents should be advised that it would be
wiser to move them.
• Damage to plants, trees etc. shall be avoided as far as possible. If some damage
is inevitable this should be discussed and agreed with the resident.
• The area of the residents home which is affected by the work, should be left
clean and free from any debris.
• Equipment and materials must be removed wherever possible each day unless
this is impracticable. In this case it should be stored in a position agreed with the
resident.
• If the property is made unsafe or hazardous, the contractor will give the resident
and any neighbours who may be affected, adequate warning and the contractor
will minimise the risk. The contractor will also inform Housing Solutions of the
issue immediately.
• Operatives must use cover guards to shoes / boots when working in residents
property.
1.9 Leaving residents’ homes
When completing works, contractors will:
• Explain to the resident what has been done and check to see that they are
satisfied. If new equipment is installed contractors will leave operating
instructions and provide a full demonstration on how to use the
equipment.
• Check that all services are in working condition at the end of each day,
during works and when the work is finished.
• Make sure that the residents home is safe and habitable overnight and at
weekends when the work cannot be completed within one working day.
• Contractors may also be asked to provide resident satisfaction
documentation as part of the post-job process.
2. Safety Standards for Contractors
2.1 Protection of the Public
Protection of the public is of paramount concern and any arrangements must
allow for the reduced level of awareness of safety risks amongst members of the
public.
2.2 Responsibilities
Contractors are required to co-operate with Housing Solutions and individuals in
discharging their responsibilities. They must:
• Ensure that a relevant risk assessment is completed before commencing work
and notified of any subsequent changes to these assessments and ensure that
persons likely to be affected are identified, are informed of the risks and
appropriate
control measures are taken.
• Ensure that persons under their control follow any rules and procedures
(including provision and use of Personal Protective Equipment).
• Ensure that any other person likely to be affected by their operation is informed
of the risks and the measures necessary to remain unharmed.
• Prepare a specific method statement where required. It must include all the
measures necessary to ensure that the operation can be carried out safely and
must be submitted and agreed before any work commences.
• Contractors must satisfy themselves that all tools, plant, or equipment are
suitable for the purpose to which the Contractor intends to use them and that
they are in good condition and any defects reported without delay. The users must
be trained, competent and supervised.
• Every effort must be made to segregate the general public, especially children,
from work areas.
• Co-operate with Housing Solutions to enable them to carry out their
statutory duties.
• The contractor will be required to comply with the requirements of CDM principal
contractor / designer.
2.3 Accident / Incident Reporting / Safeguarding
Contractors must have their own Accident Book and they must record details of all
injuries to their employees. All accidents are to be immediately reported to
Housing Solutions or any client or contractor of Housing Solutions.
The Contractor must inform the Health & Safety Executive and submit an
F2508 in the event of a reportable accident to direct or agency employees as
defined in RIDDOR. A copy of the F2508 document must be forwarded to Housing
Solutions and/or the Contractor.
Contractors are also required to keep Housing Solutions or any client or
contractor of Housing Solutions informed of the subsequent developments of long
term injuries, diseases, and dangerous occurrences.
Contractors are also required to notify Housing Solutions where there are any
concerns in relation to safeguarding issues that they may encounter when
accessing residents properties.
2.4 Welfare
Any facilities provided by the contractor are to be maintained in a safe and clean
condition and any person wilfully damaging such facilities will be removed from
site and subsequently be liable to being charged for making good.
Contractors must assess their particular first aid needs to ensure adequate and
appropriate first aid provision is made for their employees.
Smoking and vaping is not permitted on any Housing Solutions sites or properties.
2.5 Minimum Acceptable Standards
All tradesmen and operatives employed on behalf of Housing Solutions or any
client or contractor of Housing Solutions will have a demonstrable skill level
incorporating Health & Safety training at the appropriate level for the activities
to be undertaken.
Contractors are required to declare and be able to demonstrate the level of
Health & Safety training that has been completed by their managers and
supervisors, relevant to their responsibilities.
2.6 Risk Assessments
The Management of Health & Safety at Work Regulations requires employers and
self-employed persons to make a suitable and sufficient assessment of the risks
to employees and any others who may be affected by their undertaking and
record the significant findings.
All risk assessments will be reviewed by Housing Solutions or the contractor prior
to commencing work on site. A period must be allowed for this process and
therefore method statements must be submitted by a given date and agreed.
Failure to comply may result in a delayed start to the operation.
2.7 Method Statements
All method statements will be reviewed by Housing Solutions or the contractor
prior to commencing work on site. To allow review method statements must be
submitted by a given date and agreed.
2.8 Fire Precautions
Contractors retain the primary duty to ensure that all its workers fully understand
and are familiar with the fire precautions. Care must be taken when using any
equipment that generates flames, sparks, heat or other similar ignition sources
and hot work permits will be required for all such activities. No hot works should
be carried out within the final hour of the day’s work activity.
Flammable substances must not be brought onto any site without notification in
the relevant method statement.
Fire call points, exits and roadways must be kept clear at all times. Where work
may obstruct/affect access to fire exits, call points and fire equipment,
notification must be given before this situation arises.
Contractors must identify and provide their own fire extinguishers/equipment on
site which must be in a serviceable condition and suitable for the risks involved.
Waste materials must be removed from the premises at the end of each day, high
risk items must be removed upon completion of their use.
2.9 Asbestos
For any work that involves disturbance of the fabric of the building the contractor
must make reasonable efforts to identify the likelihood of presence of asbestos in
the area to be worked or disturbed, for example:
• look for adhesive labels warning of the presence of asbestos,
• ask for the site asbestos register,
If contractors are working with asbestos containing materials the activities must
be in accordance with the Control of Asbestos at Work Regulations, associated
government codes of practice and company requirements.
When working with asbestos containing materials, contractors should ensure that
their workers are competent to carry out their work and are aware of all
associated risks and control measures.
Where risk assessments and method statements have been provided workers
must be aware and work in accordance with them. Records of training and
competency should be provided when requested.
For further information please refer to the Asbestos Management document.
Particular attention should be made to asbestos waste and the correct process
and procedures are adhered to.
2.10 Dress code
Contractor work employees will ensure compliance with the company dress code,
as a minimum all workers must wear:
• Identifiable uniform
• Appropriate safety footwear with mid-sole protection
2.11 Personal Protective Equipment
The Personal Protective Equipment at Work Regulations require every employer to
provide their employees with suitable personal protective equipment to be used
at work when they may be exposed to a hazard where there is a risk to their
health or safety that cannot be adequately controlled by other means.
PPE must be fit for purpose, kept clean, maintained, and stored in good condition,
with any defects reported.
2.12 Disciplinary procedure
Contractors will, when necessary, invoke their disciplinary procedures. Repeat
infringements or serious offences may result in individuals being removed from
site and may be precluded from other work for that contractor.
2.13 Drugs and alcohol
It is the policy of Housing Solutions or any client or contractor of Housing
Solutions to seek to ensure that all its sites are free of the use of alcohol and
prescribed drugs.
Housing Solutions or any client or contractor of Housing Solutions will exclude
from its sites any person under the influence of alcohol or prescribed drugs.
2.14 Good order – housekeeping
Site tidiness is an essential part of accident reduction and fire prevention
programs. Areas where Contractors are undertaking work will be kept in a
reasonable state of cleanliness to prevent slips, trips, and fire hazards.
Waste, debris, and off-cuts of materials are to be cleared as is necessary but at
least daily to ensure other users of the site are not put in danger and that floor
areas or structures are not overloaded. No timber or other material with projecting
nails shall be allowed to remain in place where they are a source of danger. A
good order strategy should be in place to manage this requirement.
All materials / waste removed from site in the first instance should be recycled, or
if this is not possible, should be disposed of via an approved waste transfer site
and all waste transfer documentation made available to Housing Solutions on
request.
2.15 Manual handling
Contractors are to assess the risk and avoid manual handling where reasonably
practicable by the use of mechanical aids. Where mechanical aids are not used
the contractor is responsible for undertaking a detailed assessment of the
residual risks to be carried out and a safe system of work used to ensure the
health and safety of the employee. Suitable PPE should be issued where
appropriate.
2.16 Access equipment / ladders and step ladders
All access equipment must be assessed for suitability. Ladders (step and lean to)
may only be used for access where there is no suitable alternative and a risk
assessment justifies their use.
It is the contractor’s responsibility to ensure that:
• the equipment used is suitable for the task and regularly inspected
• workers are suitable trained in working at height procedures.
Note: Ladders (step and lean to) are not to be used as working platforms unless
there is no suitable alternative and a risk assessment justifies their use.
2.17 Lifting operations, excavators, hoists and MEWP’s
It is the responsibility of the contractor to ensure that all lifting equipment and
accessories whilst working on behalf of Housing Solutions or any client or
contractor of Housing Solutions are in compliance with the Provision and Use of
Work Equipment Regulations and the Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment
Regulations.
All lifting operations must be fully assessed and planned by a competent,
appointed person who has adequate practical and theoretical knowledge and
carried out in compliance with BS 7121 Safe Use of Cranes.
All lifting equipment including excavators, hoists, and MEWP’s, must be
accompanied with all current examination, inspection and test certificates and
reports for retention by the Principal Contractor.
2.18 Spraying and mixing
All contractors and suppliers utilising pesticides will comply with the and be
trained in the relevant guidance and British Standards and legislations and will
provide evidence on request.
2.19 Tools
It is the contractor’s responsibility to train its’ employees in the use of any tools
that they utilise in the execution of any services for Housing Solutions or any client
or contractor of Housing Solutions to the relevant guidance and standard and
consider all relevant areas of health and safety.
2.20 Monitoring contractor Health & Safety.
Although the ongoing monitoring of health and safety is the contractor’s
responsibility, formal inspection and / or auditing may be carried out by Housing
Solutions or any client or contractor of Housing Solutions to monitor safety
standards.
Further information on our commitment to health and safety can be found in our
Health & Safety Policy.
3. Equality & Diversity
3.1 Housing Solutions or any client or contractor of Housing Solutions is committed to
equality and diversity and to the elimination of direct and indirect discrimination in
all our dealings as an employer and provider of housing and related services.
Housing Solutions will reflect its duty to promote equality in its procurement
functions and will ensure that the protected characteristics are integrated into its
procurement processes.
More information can be found in our Equality, Diversity & Inclusion Policy
4. Anti-Fraud, Theft and Bribery Policy Summary
4.1 Housing Solutions operates a counter fraud, corruption and bribery policy that
details the steps that must be taken where fraud, corruption or bribery is
suspected or discovered. Any person who becomes aware of any fraud,
corruption, bribery, or other illegal act and does not follow this policy could be
subject to disciplinary action.
The key objectives of this policy are for Housing Solutions to:
• demonstrate commitment to minimise the risk of these incidents occurring
• safeguard assets and reputation
• provide a framework for whistleblowing
• ensure Employers and employees can declare private interests which
potentially conflict with the activities of Housing Solutions
4.2 Fraud and bribery are criminal offences and the police are likely to be involved.
Any individual committing acts of fraud or bribery could be subject to both
criminal and disciplinary action.
4.3 More information can be found in our Anti-Fraud, Theft and Bribery Policy.

5. Modern Slavery
5.1 Housing Solutions will continue to take appropriate steps to ensure that there is
no modern slavery or human trafficking in our supply chains. This includes
continuing to review our existing policies and procedures in light of the
requirements of the Modern Slavery Act 2015. Our Modern Slavery statement can
be found on our website.
All contractors and suppliers must comply with the Modern Slavery Act 2015.
6. Social Value
6.1 The Social Value Act applies to Housing Associations and requires us to consider
how social value can be provided in service contracts in local areas. Contractors
and suppliers consider how they can help fulfil the requirements by working in
partnership with the Resident Engagement Team at Housing Solutions. This may
include providing working opportunities, e.g. apprenticeships if available or to
provide local neighbourhood improvement support. As a guide the contractor
should endeavour to provide support in the region of 1% of the service fee
annually.
6.2 As a requirement of any formal tender exercise, contractors will need to
demonstrate to Housing Solutions that that have implemented a clear Corporate
Social Responsibility policy and/or culture at their company.
7. Contractor understanding and compliance

7.1 This policy will form a part of any subsequent Subcontract or Purchase order.
7.2 Contractors are deemed to have read and have understood all the above and will
comply with all the requirements of the Code of Practice and Safety Standards
when working on behalf of Hosing Solutions.
7.3 Contractor policies and procedure shall comply with the Equality Act 2010 and
cover the 9 protected characteristics
7.4 Contractors are deemed to have read and have understood Housing Solutions
Policies:
• Health and Safety
• Repairs and Maintenance
• Asbestos Management
• Electric Safety
• Gas Safety
• Water Hygiene & Legionella
• Fire Safety
• Equality, Diversion & Inclusion
• Anti-Fraud, Theft & Bribery Policy
• Data Protection
7.5 Housing Solutions reserve the right to remove or suspend contractors from our
approved supplier list if we find them to be in breach of these standards or bring
Housing Solutions into disrepute.
8. Probity
8.1 Contractors will carry out their work in an accountable and transparent manner
and in accordance with the highest standards of probity, professionalism and
integrity.
8.2 Contractors will not exploit their positions and relationship with Housing Solutions
8.3 Contractors will disclose any known relationships with Housing Solutions staff or
residents where these may overlap with work carried out on behalf of the
organisation
8.4 Contractors will disclose any other potential conflict of interest arising from work
to be carried out on behalf of the organisation
9. Invoicing
9.1 Contractors will ensure they price and code completed repairs as per agreed
rates. Invoices will be disputed and remain unpaid until disputed queries have
been resolved to a satisfactory status.
9.2 Contractors are required to respond to invoice disputes within 2 working days
of receipt. Housing Solutions will work collaboratively with contractors in
pursuing an amicable resolution.
9.3 Contractors invoices must detail a full description of works carried out and a
breakdown of labour and material costs. Invoices will be delayed for payment
if this information is missing.