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SCL Light

Your stepping stone to Step 3 - and retaining assignments

The deadline of the Governance Code Safety in Procurement (GCVB) is approaching. From 1 July 2026, SCL Step 3 will be a hard requirement to compete for many construction and engineering contracts. Waiting is not an option; those who start too late risk exclusion from tenders. With SCL Light, we make this step small, manageable and achievable.

Moving from the Approved Self Assessment (ASA) to SCL Light - and eventually Step 3 - may seem like a big task. Yet this need not be a complicated process. The SCL Light was specially developed to allow organisations (from 5 employees upwards) to grow in safety awareness in a low-threshold manner. No thick manuals, but a focus on attitude and behaviour.

Why start now?

The agendas of certification bodies (CBs) are rapidly filling up towards 2026. Companies that act now will avoid missing the boat. By starting with SCL Light today, you can build up to the required level for Tier 3 in a calm and controlled way. You will secure your future contracts and immediately work towards a more pleasant and safer workplace.

What is SCL light?

SCL Light is a ingrowth model. Think of it as the 'entry-level' version of the Safety Culture Ladder, designed to lower the threshold for you. Where a full certificate requires an immediate, heavy audit, SCL Light starts low-threshold. For organisations up to 50 employees, it is possible to opt for the SCL Light for small organisations.

Features at a glance

  • No system: No need to write new manuals. The SCL complements your existing agreements.
  • Practice rules: We are not looking at whether it is right on paper, but whether people are working safely and consciously in the workplace.
  • Integral security: It is about physical safety, but also psychosocial safety. Do colleagues dare to speak to each other? Does management listen to signals?
  • Lighter start: In the first year, there is no full audit, but a 40% audit. This takes less time and impact on your organisation.
  • Statement instead of certificate: You will not receive a certificate, but an official SCL Light Statement with a step indication. This demonstrates to clients that you are serious about safety.
  • Steps 1-3: This product can be used for an indication up to step 3.


Validity: The statement is valid for three years. In the intervening years, a limited review by 1 auditor takes place to check that you are still in compliance.

In short: SCL Light is an easy entry version that allows you to meet the of a step 3, without having to meet the toughest exam requirements right away. See ViA's Guide for this.

Not a system, but a mirror

Many entrepreneurs fear additional paperwork. This is a misconception. The Safety Culture Ladder is no management system such as ISO or VCA. It is a hallmark that focuses on culture.

  • Attitude and behaviour: How do we interact with each other? Do we dare to speak to each other?
  • Integral security: It's not just about helmets and shoes, but also psychosocial safety. Do employees feel heard and safe?

The SCL is an addition to your existing hard appointments, not a replacement. It makes visible what often remains invisible.

The 'Look in the Blackbox' web tool

Many companies do not know where they stand when it comes to safety culture. It is a 'black box'. The SCL Web tool is the first step to shed light on this.

  • Insight: The web tool (with the mandatory SAQ questionnaire) shows you immediately where your strengths lie and where improvement is needed.
  • Concrete action: You will immediately see what you need to work on to meet Step 3.
  • No exam: Don't think of the web tool as an exam, but as a baseline measurement. It is your starting point for growth.
To the SCL web tool

How does SCL Light work?

SCL Light is designed to take you by the hand. You will not receive a certificate, but a SCL Light Statement with a step indication. This statement is valid for 3 years, provided you actively work on the areas for improvement.

The trajectory in a nutshell:

  • Year 1: The start. You complete the SCL Web tool and an auditor conducts a limited audit (40% of a full audit). This provides a clear starting picture and a step indication (steps 1 to 3).
  • Years 2 & 3: Growth and action. You do not have to go through another tough audit. Instead, the auditor will assess your progress on the action plan and behavioural objectives you have set yourself.
  • Year 3: To Step 3 (before 1 July 2026). You continue to actively work on attitude and behaviour in your organisation and conduct an annual self-assessment, so that you keep track of progress yourself.

Your roadmap: Start today

NEN manages the scheme, but you are at the helm of your safety culture yourself. Follow these steps to be ready on time:

  1. Use the Web tool: Complete the SAQ via the web tool for your baseline measurement.
  2. Choose a Certifying Body (CI): Contact a CI immediately to schedule an audit. Don't wait for this; full is full.
  3. Schedule the audit: Get the 40% audit for your SCL Light Statement.
  4. Getting started: Use the outcomes to strengthen your culture towards 2026.


Tip: Are you looking for specific guidance on implementation? NEN does not advise on content, but there are several specialised consultancies that can support you.

Avoid downtime and start now.

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