FIS Contractual and Legal Toolkit
As well as our vocal stance on unfair payment practices, FIS members can access a range of services to support them in managing the complexities of contracting and supplying products into the construction market, this includes template contracts, guidance on standard terms, support in dealing with disputes and a raft of best practice advice.
FIS Legal and QS Helplines
Members can access our specialist legal and quantity surveying helplines by calling our office on
0121 707 0077.
FIS Contract Review Service
Know what you’re signing. FIS members can access our expert Contract Review Service – helping you spot risky clauses in amended contracts before work begins. With support from a panel of trusted specialists, this subsidised service helps you avoid costly issues down the line.
Best Practice Guide: Improving Management of Building Contracts
Compiled by more than a dozen industry experts, the in-depth guide offers a wealth of practical information to support specialist contractors to understand and proactively manage a range of issues related to construction contracts. EXCLUSIVELY FOR FIS Members this guide is now also available as a free e-Learning Course as part of the FIS Continuing Professional Development Programme.
Mastering Contracts: Key Guidance for FIS Members
From understanding the basics of what a contract is to navigating design liabilities, amendments, delays, extensions, and dispute avoidance. FIS has compiled key contractual topics and insights to help you make informed, confident decisions.
Explore the guidance now and strengthen your contractual know-how.
Legacy: How to react if you are contacted about a legacy claim
Where completed work has been identified as being potentially non-compliant by a client, contractor or by a third-party inspector, there are steps that members should take. It is important that you understand if and how you should respond
Campaign: The Responsible No
The problem is that if we don’t exercise the option of “No”, if we don’t clarify, qualify and draw the line we take responsibility for issues outside of our control, assume responsibility for compliance and sign up to damages and delays that we can’t cover. This FIS campaign and supporting toolkit is designed isolate irresponsible asks and support responsible negotiation. The toolkit includes a matrix of contract clauses that should be avoided with suggested tactics for improving terms.
FIS Produce and Maintain a Range of Standard Form Contracts for our Members
The Client Order and associated guidance note (below) aim to address the most common issues FIS members are currently encountering in a pro-active and commercial manner. This work has been used to support guidance for members subjected to heavily amended standard form contracts that helps highlight risks and offer more reasonable clauses that could be proposed as an alternative.
In 2025 we extended this work developing for members a set of simplified template contracts (using the 500 word principle). The main contract can be used as an upper or lower contract and incorporates options to accomodate design where appropriate. It is supported by a corresponding labour only contract for engaging the delivery team. These contract (developed with the support of a group of members and specialist lawyer Sarah Fox) are designed to be more accessible and transparent and promote a more progressive approach to contracting.
FIS Standard T&C's Client Order
Suitable for
(England and Wales)
FIS Standard T&C's Client Order
Suitable for
(Scotland)
FIS Simplified Contract (upper and lower)
FIS Simple LOSC (and labour suppliers) Contract
LOSC Subcontracts
Free model Labour Only Subcontract for use between FIS members and their labour only subcontractors.
The contract has been designed to help members who employ labour-only subcontractors to ensure that both parties to any contract fully understand their responsibilities, particularly with regard to heath and safety, quality and payment of national insurance and income tax.
Show your support for fairer contracts
Legal Cases in our sector
Lens Blog
Len Bunton on contractual and commercial issues he experiences when supporting FIS members and the wider community – it is designed to help FIS Members avoid common traps and build on our focus on collective experience.
Explore this video series on Effective Contract Management in Construction, based on the CICV Best Practice Guide. Tailored for contractors and subcontractors, especially in Scotland, the videos offer practical guidance on improving cash flow, avoiding disputes, and managing contracts more effectively in today’s challenging market. Hear from industry leaders, including FIS CEO Iain McIlwee, on key issues like payment schedules, quality, and risk. Watch the full panel or dip into the topics that matter most to you.
FIS Estimator Training
This eLearning course has been developed to provide learners with a comprehensive understanding of the contractual and commercial factors that influence the estimating process within the interiors sector. Whether you’re new to the industry or transitioning into an estimating role, this course will equip you with the essential knowledge needed to support accurate, compliant, and commercially sound estimates.