CDM 2015 · Client Duties
Your CDM duties, explained in plain English.
If you’re having building work done, CDM 2015 gives you legal duties as the client. We help you understand them, appoint the right people and stay in control, without drowning in jargon.
- Client duties briefing
- Appointing competent dutyholders
- Pre-construction information
- F10 notification checks
- Oversight through to handover
The Service
Clients set the tone for every project
Many business clients don’t realise that CDM 2015 places duties on them, not just on designers and contractors. The decisions you make about time, budget and who you appoint have a direct effect on how safely the work is done.
We act as your independent adviser. We start with a clear briefing on what your duties mean in practice, then help you put the right arrangements in place: competent appointments, enough time and resources, good pre-construction information and proper welfare.
Throughout the project, we keep an eye on things on your behalf, so you can be confident your duties are being met.
What’s included
- A plain-English client duties briefing and written summary
- Checking the competence of designers and contractors
- Advice on appointing the Principal Designer and Principal Contractor
- Compiling pre-construction information
- Checking whether the project needs an F10 notification
- Reviewing the construction phase plan before work starts
- Making sure you receive a usable health and safety file
Under CDM 2015 (Regulation 4), commercial clients must make suitable arrangements for managing a project, including allowing enough time and resources, providing pre-construction information, and making sure a construction phase plan is in place before work starts. A project must be notified to HSE if it lasts longer than 30 working days with more than 20 workers at any one time, or exceeds 500 person days.
Briefing
We explain your duties clearly and simply.
Appointments
Help choosing competent dutyholders.
Oversight
Checking arrangements are working on site.
Handover
Making sure you get the health and safety file.
FAQs
Client questions
Am I a client under CDM 2015?
If you’re having construction work carried out as part of a business, you’re a commercial client with duties under CDM 2015. Domestic clients, having work done on their own home, have their duties passed to the contractor or Principal Designer.
Can I hand my duties to someone else?
You can appoint others to help, but the legal duties stay with you as the client. That’s why having an independent adviser on your side is so valuable.
What happens if I don’t appoint a Principal Designer or Principal Contractor?
If you don’t make the appointments where they’re required, you take on those duties yourself.
Let’s Talk
Know your duties. Stay in control.
Book a client duties briefing before your next project starts.