Common Assessment Standard Updates on 1st July 2025

Build UK is finalising an updated version of the Common Assessment Standard for publication on 1st July 2025 to ensure it remains relevant and up to date and can be used to demonstrate companies across the supply chain have the organisational capability to fulfil their duties under the Building Safety Act.

A year on from its introduction in July 2024, the Building Safety section will be updated and become mandatory for all companies carrying out design or building work under the Act. Version 5 of the Common Assessment Standard will also contain key updates to both the Environmental and Fairness, Inclusion & Respect (FIR) sections to reflect the latest legislation and guidance.

Companies that have the Common Assessment Standard are certified once a year by a Recognised Assessment Body and this is accepted by a growing list of Contractors and Clients who no longer specify a particular assessment body. Central Government departments and wider public sector bodies should use the Common Assessment Standard to pre-qualify suppliers in accordance with PPN 03/24.

There are two levels of certification: desktop and site-based. 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. More information is available on Build UK’s website.

Jo Fautley, Build UK Deputy Chief Executive, said: “The Common Assessment Standard provides a consistent and robust pre-qualification standard, which can now be used to meet the requirement for organisational capability under the Building Safety Act. By establishing the Common Assessment Standard, we have brought the whole sector together to transform the construction pre-qualification process, and everyone can play their part in improving efficiency, reducing cost and raising standards by using it.”

The Common Assessment Standard is regularly reviewed, as the soon-to-be-released Version 5 update continues to demonstrate.