The CPS Certification Process
Four key stages to achieve CPS Compliance Passport Certification and comprehensive pricing information
Why Umbrella Companies need CPS Certification? The Top 10 Reasons
1
Build Trust with Agencies and Clients
Agencies increasingly require assurance that their supply chain partners are fully compliant and ethical. Certification provides a trusted third-party guarantee that the umbrella company is safe to use.
2
Demonstrate Legal and Ethical Integrity
The Certification proves that the company complies with PAYE rules, National Minimum Wage, Holiday pay legislation, GDPR, and Employment law. This removes doubts and helps avoid reputational risk or HMRC scrutiny.
3
Stand Out from Non-Compliant Competitors
The UK umbrella market is saturated — and still contains many non-compliant or exploitative providers. Certification gives companies a clear competitive edge.
4
Use the Certified Badge in Marketing
Display the Compliance Passport logo on Website, Payslips, Tenders & agency contracts, Email signatures, and LinkedIn & social posts. This becomes a trust signal that directly drives client acquisition and retention.
5
Improve Internal Processes and Controls
The Certification process helps companies Review and update policies, Identify risks, Standardise payroll and complaints handling, and Strengthen internal audits and GDPR controls. It's a management tool, not just a badge.
6
Attract More Contractors & Freelancers
Certified companies can prove to workers that Holiday pay is not withheld, Payslips are clear and honest, and Data is protected. This makes it easier to win over contractor talent.
7
Reduce the Risk of Enforcement or Litigation
By complying with the Standard, companies are less likely to face Employment tribunals, Holiday pay disputes, Whistle-blower investigations, and HMRC tax compliance issues. It's preventative protection.
8
Satisfy Agency PSL/Compliance Audits
Agencies increasingly demand proof of due diligence. Certification simplifies this by ticking multiple compliance boxes all in one go — faster Onboarding, fewer questions.
9
Raise Company Valuation & Exit Readiness
Investors, buyers, and consolidators prefer regulated, low-risk businesses. Certification can help command a higher sale price or attract partnership opportunities.
10
Join a Modern, Transparent, Trusted Network
Being part of the Compliance Passport Certified Register increases visibility and credibility. It shows the company is part of the solution, not the problem, in a controversial sector.
How much does the CPS Certification cost?
Applicant Companies are provided with a fully costed price for each Stage of the CPS Service they will receive.
CPS Certification is cost-effective and based on the Payroll Turnover of Umbrella Companies.
The Payroll Bands are:
Up to £2 Million
£2 Million - £5 Million
£5 Million - £10 Million
£10 Million +
The Process of CPS Certification Compliance
For Umbrella Companies, there are 4 Key Stages to CPS Compliance Passport Certification; these are shown below:
1
Stage 1.
The Application Stage
This initial Stage is designed to determine the suitability of the Applicant Company for the Compliance Passport Certification.
2
Stage 2.
The Training Stage
This Stage provides comprehensive Training for the Applicant Company to learn about all the in depth requirements of the Compliance Passport Certification process.
3
Stage 3.
The Assessment & Audit Stage
This is the on-site Assessment & Audit Stage where Applicant Company is Assessed and Audited against the Compliance Passport Standard.
4
Stage 4.
The Certification Stage
The Certification Stage takes into account the Assessment and Audit results before Compliance Passport Certification Approval is formally awarded to the Applicant Company.
Ongoing Annual Surveillance
The Annual Ongoing Surveillance ensures the Certified Company continually meets the requirements for their Compliance Passport Certification.