FIS is working with legal expert Sarah Fox (famous for her 500-word approach to contracts) to create a simplified subcontract for FIS members to use.
Sarah describes herself as a recovering lawyer and her work is driven by the principle that we are wasting time, money and energy on paperwork that few users can understand. Complex contracts and unclear processes are costing our sector profit, deals and relationships.
This very much chimes with the challenges that were identified in the Reading Report. Sarah has spent 10 years putting her idea into practice and drafting UK construction contracts starting with just 500 words. At the heart of her work is a simple idea – simplification works. When you streamline deals and clarify terms you’ll save avoid conflict, sign deals quicker and be more efficient.
To kick us off, FIS is looking at drawing together an intrepid group of contractors who regularly sub-contract packages of work (as distinct from using Labour Only Sub Contractors to deliver work they are contracted to do) to develop a universal contract that will be available for all members to use. Our aim is to develop this contract in a 2-hour online workshop.
If you are interested in getting involved, please email: iainmcilwee@thefis.org by 21 February 2025.
If you have any live legal issues or want advice around standard form contracts, don’t forget the FIS Legal and Contractual Toolkit is available here and has a raft of tools to support the FIS Community.