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With so many experts around the table, it can be easy for clients to assume that responsibility for managing the project has been fully delegated. However, under the Construction (Design and Management) Regulations (CDM), the client continues to play a vital role throughout the life of the project.

 

The Common Misunderstanding

 

Many clients believe that appointing a Principal Designer means all health and safety responsibilities are taken care of. Others assume that the Contract Administrator will oversee every aspect of compliance and project delivery.

 

While both roles are essential, they do not remove the client's own duties. The Principal Designer is responsible for managing health and safety during the design phase, while the Contract Administrator manages the building contract. The client remains responsible for ensuring the project is properly organised, adequately resourced and managed safely.

What Are the Client's Responsibilities?

 

Clients have several important obligations that cannot simply be handed over to others.

These include appointing competent people to carry out key roles, allowing sufficient time and resources for the work to be completed safely, and providing the information needed for the project team to make informed decisions. Clients must also satisfy themselves that the Principal Designer and Principal Contractor are able to carry out their duties effectively.

Before work begins on site, clients must also ensure that suitable construction phase plans are in place and that adequate welfare facilities have been provided for those carrying out the work.

 

Failing to meet these responsibilities can leave unnecessary risks uncontrolled, expose projects to delays and potentially lead to regulatory issues.

 

Bridging the Gap with Expert Support

 

For many organisations, particularly those that only undertake refurbishment projects occasionally, managing these duties alongside day-to-day business responsibilities can be challenging.

 

This is where SHW can help.

 

Acting as a CDM Adviser, SHW supports clients throughout the project lifecycle. Our role is to help coordinate the process, represent the client during meetings, assist with appointments, gather and manage key project information, help review the safety of the project and provide clear advice when decisions are required.

 

Rather than dealing with multiple stakeholders independently, clients benefit from a single point of contact who helps ensure responsibilities are being managed effectively and documented appropriately.

 

Does SHW Take on the Client's Legal Duties?

 

The simple answer is no.

 

The legal responsibility always remains with the client. However, SHW helps make compliance significantly more manageable by providing expert guidance, carrying out checks, maintaining records and helping clients understand exactly what is expected of them at each stage of the project.

 

As Principal Designer and Contract Administrator, SHW can manage health and safety during design and oversee contractual matters. As CDM Adviser, we can also support clients in maintaining oversight of their own responsibilities and ensuring nothing is overlooked.

 

Staying on Track from Start to Finish

 

Successful refurbishment projects rely on clear responsibilities, effective communication and proactive management.

 

If you are planning refurbishment works, don't assume your client duties are being covered by someone else. Understanding your responsibilities and putting the right support in place from the outset can help ensure a safer, smoother and more successful project.

 

With the right advice and oversight, clients can remain confident that their obligations are being managed effectively while keeping projects on track from concept through to completion.

 

Phil Laybourn, Health and Safety Advisor for SHW says "One of the most common misunderstandings I encounter is the belief that appointing a Principal Designer or Contract Administrator transfers all of a client's responsibilities. In reality, clients remain central to the successful and safe delivery of a project. Understanding these duties early and ensuring they are properly managed can help avoid unnecessary risks, delays and compliance issues."