by Clair Mooney | 21 Feb, 2025 | Skills
Construction trades students at Southall Community College (West London Collegeare looking for employers interested in supporting a one-week work experience placement starting on Monday 3 March 2025.
The first years’ students have completed their health and safety units and basic processes including using tools and access equipment, understanding fabrication and installation processes and materials in the workplace.
The second years students have gained additional knowledge and more intricate workshop skills in their chosen trades (Brickwork / Carpentry and Joinery / Electrical Installation /Plastering / Drylining / Plumbing and Heating / General Operative / and Motor Vehicle.)
Students’ postcodes are representative of all London boroughs (we hope to match your S106 requirements). They are either 16-18 or 19+ of age. They will have their own PPE boots. Most do not have their CSCS card yet but have good knowledge of the H&S requirements on site.
by Clair Mooney | 20 Feb, 2025 | Skills
FIS in partnership with CITB and industry experts, have developed comprehensive Competence Frameworks that outlines the training and qualification landscape and the essential Skills, Knowledge, Experience, and Behaviours for operatives and installers of Raised Access Flooring, Operable Partition Systems and Ceiling Installation.
These webinars offer a unique opportunity to explore the frameworks and contribute your insights through a wider review and feedback session. Your feedback is invaluable in helping to shape the future of these professions. Don’t miss your chance to influence the standards that will define the future of these occupations. You can register for each webinar via the links below.
Raised Access Flooring – 10 March 2025, 2pm
https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/1246300591619?aff=oddtdtcreator
Operable Partition Systems – 11 March 2025, 2pm
https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/operable-partition-systems-competence-framework-tickets-1249189141349?aff=oddtdtcreator
Ceiling Installation – 13 March 2025, 2pm
https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/competence-framework-ceiling-installation-tickets-1252932527919?aff=oddtdtcreator
by Clair Mooney | 20 Feb, 2025 | CICV - Best Practice Guides, Contractual and Legal, Main News Feed
This Practice Note is a supplement to Practice Note 1 ‘Notice’, aimed at highlighting key specific notice provisions under NEC3 & 4 Engineering and Construction Contracts (‘ECC’) and the NEC3 & 4 Engineering and Construction Subcontract (‘ECS’).
Specific Situations Requirement Notices
Contractors and subcontractors should be aware that generally, NEC contracts contain notice provisions in respect of the following situations:
- Compensation Events.
- Early Warning.
- Defects.
- Ambiguities and inconsistencies.
- Illegal and impossible requirements.
- Prevention.
- Termination.
A brief overview these provision is as follows:
NEC3 & 4 (ECC)
Compensation Events
- The Project Manager notifies the Contractor of compensation events arising from an instruction, the issue of a certificate, the changing of an earlier decision, or a correction of an assumption (cl.61.1).
- The Contractor notifies the Project Manager of an event the Contractor believes to be a compensation event that has not been notified by the Project Manager (cl.61.3).
- The Project Manager notifies the Contractor if the Project Manager decides that an event notified by the Contractor is not a compensation event (cl.61.4).
- When requesting a quotation from the Contractor, the Project Manager notifies the Contractor if the Project Manager decides the Contractor failed to issue an early warning notice (cl.61.5).
- If the effects of a compensation event cannot be reasonably ascertained with certainty, then, in an instruction to provide quotations, the Project Manager states any assumptions made by the Project Manager concerning the effects of a compensation event (cl.61.6).
Early Warning
- The Project Manager and the Contractor notify each other as soon as they become aware of any matter which could increase the total of the Prices, delay Completion, delay meeting a Key Date, or impair the performance of the works in use (cl.16.1[NEC3] / cl.15.1[NEC4]).
Defects
- Up to the defects date, the Supervisor and the Contractor notify each other of Defects as soon as they find them (cl.42.2[NEC3] / cl.43.2[NEC4]).
Ambiguities and Inconsistencies
- The Project Manager or the Contractor notify each other as soon as they become aware of any ambiguity or inconsistency in or between the contract documents (cl.17.1).
Illegal and Impossible Requirements
- The Contractor notifies the Project Manager if the Contractor believes the Works Information [NEC3] (or ‘Scope’ as per the NEC4) requires him to do anything illegal or impossible (cl.18.1[NEC3] / cl.17.2[NEC4]).
Prevention
- If an event occurs, which neither Party could prevent, that stops the Contractor from completing the works by the date shown on the Accepted Programme, the Project Manager notifies (instructs) the Contractor on how the event is to be dealt with (cl.19.1).
Termination
- If either Party wishes to terminate the Contractor’s obligation to Provide the Works, the Party wishing to terminate notifies the reason to the Project Manager and the other party (cl.90.1).
NEC3 & 4 (ECS)
Compensation Events
- The Contractor notifies the Subcontractor of compensation events arising from an instruction, the issue of a certificate, the changing of an earlier decision, or a correction of an assumption (cl.61.1).
- The Subcontractor notifies the Contractor of an event the Subcontractor believes to be a compensation event that has not been notified by the Contractor (cl.61.3).
- The Contractor notifies the Subcontractor if the Contractor decides that an event notified by the Subcontractor is not a compensation event (cl.61.4).
- When requesting a quotation from the Subcontractor, the Contractor notifies the Subcontractor if the Contractor decides the Subcontractor failed to issue an early warning notice (cl.61.5).
- If the effects of a compensation event cannot be reasonably ascertained with certainty, then, in an instruction to provide quotations, the Contractor states any assumptions made by the Contractor concerning the effects of a compensation event (cl.61.6).
Early Warning
- The Contractor and the Subcontractor notify each other as soon as they become aware of any matter which could increase the total of the Prices, delay Completion, delay meeting a Key Date, or impair the performance of the works in use (cl.16.1[NEC3] / cl.15.1[NEC4]).
Defects
- Up to the defects date, the Subcontractor and the Contractor notify each other of Defects as soon as they find them (cl.42.2[NEC3] / cl.43.2[NEC4]).
Ambiguities and Inconsistencies
- The Subcontractor or the Contractor notify each other as soon as they become aware of any ambiguity or inconsistency in or between the contract documents (cl.17.1)
Illegal and Impossible Requirements
- The Subcontractor notifies the Contractor if the Subcontractor believes the Works Information [NEC3] (or ‘Scope’ as per the NEC4) requires him to do anything illegal or impossible (cl.18.1[NEC3] / cl.17.2[NEC4]).
Prevention
- If an event occurs, which neither Party could prevent, that stops the Subcontractor from completing the works by the date shown on the Accepted Programme, the Contractor notifies (instructs) the Subcontractor on how the event is to be dealt with (cl.19.1).
Termination
- If either Party wishes to terminate the Subcontractor’s obligation to Provide the Subcontract Works, the Party wishing to terminate notifies the reason to the other party (cl.90.1).
Final Advice
In the management and administration of NEC contracts, parties have the opportunity to act promptly and issue notices in accordance with a wide variety of contractual provisions. This not only aids in avoiding disputes by maintaining communication but also ensures certainty regarding the correct contractual position, which directly contributes to, or even governs, robust commercial management and financial outcomes.
Additional guidance notes
by Clair Mooney | 20 Feb, 2025 | CICV - Best Practice Guides, Main News Feed
This Practice Note is the second in a series designed to enhance commercial management in construction projects by promoting best practices for record-keeping. Authored by experienced consultants Len Bunton, Sean Bradley, and Mark Holden-Smith, it outlines key recommendations from the CICV Best Practice Guide (BPG) to help subcontractors and contractors safeguard their contractual position.
The Importance of Record-Keeping in Construction Contracts
One of the most common mistakes contractors make is failing to maintain comprehensive records of contract events. These records become crucial if a contractual claim arises or if an employer seeks to impose liquidated damages.
As highlighted in Practice Note 1, ensuring that contractual notices are issued in compliance with the agreement is fundamental. This is particularly important when pursuing claims for extensions of time or loss and expense, as failure to provide proper notice may invalidate a claim.
A recurring issue in construction disputes is the loss of project knowledge when key personnel—such as site managers, contracts managers, or commercial managers—leave their roles. Additionally, poor management of electronic files, including missing or deleted documents, can create significant challenges. To mitigate these risks, all project records should be securely stored and readily accessible from the outset of the contract.
Key Records to Maintain
To ensure robust documentation, contractors should retain the following records:
- Essential Contract Documentation
- All tender documents.
- Emails and electronic communications (both inbox and outbox).
- Hard copies of key correspondence (recommended for larger projects).
- Meeting and Site Documentation
- Pre-start meeting minutes.
- Progress meeting minutes.
- Meeting records with subcontractors.
- Project Execution Records
- Site diaries documenting daily progress.
- Site instructions.
- Requests for Information (RFIs) with a tracker showing request dates and response times.
- Records of variations to the contract.
- Construction drawings and a maintained drawing register.
- Programme Management
- Tender programme.
- Contract programme and any progress updates.
- As-built programme (critical for extension of time claims).
- Additional programming documentation.
- Defects and Quality Control
- Snagging lists.
- Defect resolution records, including dates of client acceptance.
- Visual Evidence
- Weekly photographs with date stamps and annotations.
- Video recordings of progress and site conditions (helmet-mounted camera systems can be used to document delays, disruptions, and inaccessible areas).
- Subcontractor Documentation
- Ensure that all subcontractors also maintain detailed records, as their support may be needed for claims.
Consequences of Poor Record-Keeping
Failure to maintain adequate records can severely undermine a contractor’s ability to:
- Pursue contractual claims (e.g., extension of time, loss and expense).
- Defend against employer allegations (e.g., delays, defective work).
- Support adjudication or legal proceedings, as weak documentation reduces the likelihood of success.
Without clear and comprehensive records, a contractor pursuing an adjudication may face:
- Unsuccessful claims due to lack of evidence.
- Liability for adjudicator and consultant fees.
- Serious financial repercussions for the business.
Final Advice
“If you fail to prepare, then prepare to fail.”
Proper record-keeping is not just an administrative task—it is a critical business safeguard. By following these best practices, contractors can improve project management, avoid disputes, and ensure contractual compliance.
You can access the full guide here
Additional guidance notes
by Clair Mooney | 18 Feb, 2025 | Employment
Recruitment challenges are at an all-time high, with businesses facing talent shortages, rising competition, and changing workforce expectations. To help employers overcome these obstacles, our Associate Service Provider Member Citation has developed an expert-written Recruitment & Retention Guide packed with practical strategies and legal insights.
This guide includes:
- Where to advertise your vacancy
- Job interview question examples
- How to develop a proper induction process
- Tips to keep your people happy and engaged
Whether you’re hiring now or planning for the future, this resource is essential for staying ahead in today’s job market. Download your free copy here: https://tinyurl.com/4zta5e3v
If you’d like to chat about how Citation can help with the HR and Health & Safety side of your business, just give them a call on 0345 844 1111, or fill in their call-back form, and they’ll get right back to you. Remember to quote ‘The Finishes and Interiors Sector’ when enquiring to access preferential rates.
by Oscar Venus | 14 Feb, 2025 | Contractual and Legal, Employment, Market data
Through construction umbrella body Build UK, FIS, is supporting thecampaign by Family Business UK which is calling on the Chancellor to reconsider the changes to inheritance tax announced in the Autumn Budget, and we would encourage affected members to complete a short survey to help demonstrate the significant impact of the changes on businesses and the wider economy.
With an estimated 4.8 million family‐owned businesses in the UK, the changes to Business Property Relief and Agricultural Property Relief will affect businesses across the country and starve the economy of investment. 81% of construction SMEs are family‐run and by working with Family Business UK we can demonstrate the significant economic contributions that these businesses make and how the changes will not provide the expected tax revenue. The survey should take no longer than 10 minutes to complete, and the deadline for responses is 2 March.
by Oscar Venus | 14 Feb, 2025 | Labour, Membership, Skills
Open Doors is an initiative organised by Build UK to inspire the next generation to choose a career in construction.
This sector is hugely rewarding, and Open Doors provides organisations with an opportunity to showcase their sites, manufacturing facilities, offices and training centres. Feedback from previous year’s events show that visits during Open Doors lead directly to new entrants joining our industry.
With the industry needing to recruit an additional 50,000 new entrants each year, we are encouraging our members to support or host events as part of Open Doors 2025. There may also be local events in your area that you can promote to schools, colleges and universities so they can see construction in action.
Further information on how you can get involved can be found in Build UK’s latest Open Doors update, and your comms teams can help to promote events on social media using the hashtag #OpenDoors25.
by Clair Mooney | 14 Feb, 2025 | Drylining, Employment, Skills
Construction training provider, The Skills Centre has launched a cutting-edge apprenticeship scheme specialising in drylining.
Designed in collaboration with employers and endorsed by FIS, this specialist training programme will launch in March at The Skills Centre’s new green skills training facility in Edgware, run in partnership with Ballymore, Places for London and Barnet Council. The programme will then expand to The Skills Centre’s Build East facility at The Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park and into a new custom facility in Essex later this year.
With demand for new housing, the need to upgrade buildings across the UK to help optimise space and deliver net-zero emissions by 2050, demand for interior systems, insulation and retrofit skills is surging. Yet, the industry faces a critical shortage of trained professionals. Our new interior systems and drylining apprenticeship will help bridge this gap by equipping learners with some of the essential skills required to meet these targets. An estimated 3.4 million properties in London alone require retrofitting, and with 78% of construction employers reporting retrofit skills shortages, this training is timely and essential.
The drylining apprenticeship training will cover:
- Partition Walls
- MF Ceilings
- Grid Ceilings
- Shaft Walls
- Metsec Installation
- Rainscreen Cladding
- Passive Fire Protection
Apprentices will gain additional qualifications in:
- NVQ L2 Interior Systems
- PASMA
- CSCS
- SSSTS (if eligible)
This apprenticeship is open to those seeking to build a successful career within the construction sector, providing the skills, knowledge, and behaviours necessary to establish a strong foundation in the industry.
Supporting employer recruitment: To assist employers with recruitment, The Skills Centre offers 8-week interior systems bootcamps for new entrants. These bootcamps provide a mix of classroom and practical training, including CSCS Green Card, and allow employers to meet pre-screened candidates and conduct two-week trial placements before committing to an apprenticeship hire. This provides companies with access to a pipeline of engaged, local candidates equipped with the relevant skills to excel in the apprenticeship programme from day 1.
Jon Howlin, CEO of The Skills Centre, said:
“Recruiting quality candidates has been a significant challenge for many in the construction industry. Our apprenticeship and bootcamp programmes are designed to alleviate this by providing a vital pipeline of skilled, local talent ready to meet the industry’s evolving demands.
“The Skills Centre is committed to collaborating with employers and construction companies to ensure that local people have access to opportunities in the industry and that our partners receive the skilled workforce they need for their projects.”
While the Interior Systems Apprenticeship is a new addition to The Skills Centre’s delivery, they have been providing apprenticeships in Groundwork, Formwork, Steel Fixing and Highways Maintenance for several years, and recently received a Good overall grade from OFSTED with Outstanding marks for Adult Education Provisions.
FIS CEO Iain McIlwee added:
“Employers want people, people want jobs that allow them to earn and develop and government want a productive workforce, yet we seem to make it complicated and consistently fail to meet the expectations of each other.
“It is refreshing to be working so closely with The Skills Centre to rethink the way that we put it all together and deliver a programme that can work for everyone. Flexible, practical and quality provision, tailored to employer need in an environment that supports the individuals is what this is all about. Plugging in the Bootcamps makes sense too, it means employers and individuals can start the process, help people get productive early and ensure that we are investing in the people that want to and will be able to carve a career out in our industry with full knowledge of what that is before the serious investment starts. The next 5 years is going to see major reform of the apprenticeship model and this is a fabulous way to kick that off in the finishes and interiors sector”.
The Skills Centre are working with a number of employers to support both the Bootcamp and the Apprenticeship, including Measom, one of the leading Drywall Contractors in the UK and an integral part of the construction industry.
Rikki Wild, Training Manager at Measom said,
“Creating clear and accessible entry points into the dry lining industry is crucial for its long-term success, and this programme achieves just that. By combining intensive bootcamps with structured apprenticeships, we are offering a comprehensive pathway for new talent to enter the sector, providing them with the essential skills and knowledge from the very start. At Measom, we recognise the great value of practical, employer-led training that ensures apprentices are fully prepared and confident when working on-site. This initiative plays a key role in helping employers like us develop a highly skilled, adaptable, and sustainable workforce, which is vital to meeting the future needs and challenges of the industry.”
To learn more about this apprenticeship opportunity or to apply, visit https://theskillscentre.co.uk/courses-services/interior-systems-installer-dry-lining-apprenticeships.
by Clair Mooney | 14 Feb, 2025 | Contractual and Legal
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.
