• Assess subcontractor safety policies and training records before appointment.
• Check insurance validity and adequacy for the scope of work.
• Review incident history and enforcement actions for the past three years.
• Confirm SSIP or equivalent accreditation as a minimum baseline.
• Request and check references from previous principal contractors.
• Verify operative competence cards and qualifications match the work.
• Apply enhanced vetting for high-risk specialisms like demolition.
• Review pre-qualification annually and before each new project.
• Include safety performance requirements in the subcontract terms.
• Record all pre-qualification assessments for audit purposes.

• DON'T appoint subcontractors without completing pre-qualification.
• DON'T accept SSIP alone as proof of competence for high-risk work.
• DON'T skip pre-qualification for small packages — the same risks apply.
• DON'T ignore poor incident history in the assessment.
• DON'T assume a subcontractor is competent because they are known to you.
• DON'T allow subcontractors on site before pre-qualification is approved.
• DON'T rely on self-assessment without verification.
• DON'T treat pre-qualification as a one-off — review for every project.
• DON'T overlook training gaps or expired competence cards.
• DON'T believe that subcontracting transfers your safety responsibilities.

See also: Subcontractor Safety Management | Subcontractor Induction Requirements