CDM 2015 principal designer duties - Revision history

Designing Buildings at 05:26, 27 August 2026

2026-08-27T05:26:25Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 05:26, 27 August 2026
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−	The Construction (Design and Management) Regulations (CDM Regulations) are intended to ensure that health and safety issues are properly considered during a ~~project’s~~ development so that the risk of harm to those who have to build, use and maintain structures is reduced. They were introduced in 1994 and revised in 2007. A further revision came into force in April 2015. see ~~also~~ Principal designer	+	= Introduction =
		+
		+	The Construction (Design and Management) Regulations (CDM Regulations) are intended to ensure that health and safety issues are properly considered during a project's development so that the risk of harm to those who have to build, use and maintain structures is reduced. They were introduced in 1994 and revised in 2007. A further revision came into force in April 2015.
		+
		+	For more information see: Principal designer.

	One of the key changes introduced by CDM 2015 is the replacement of the role of CDM co-ordinator (CDMC) with a principal designer (PD). The principal designer has responsibility for co-ordination of health and safety during the pre-construction phase. The reason for the change is to give responsibility for CDM during the design phase to an individual that has the ability to influence the design. Under the 2007 regulations, this role was often contracted out, resulting in extra costs, but the individual appointed was rarely properly embedded in the project team and so had little opportunity to influence the design.		One of the key changes introduced by CDM 2015 is the replacement of the role of CDM co-ordinator (CDMC) with a principal designer (PD). The principal designer has responsibility for co-ordination of health and safety during the pre-construction phase. The reason for the change is to give responsibility for CDM during the design phase to an individual that has the ability to influence the design. Under the 2007 regulations, this role was often contracted out, resulting in extra costs, but the individual appointed was rarely properly embedded in the project team and so had little opportunity to influence the design.

−	Guidance published by the Health and Safety Executive in January 2015, defines principal designers as ~~‘…designers~~ appointed by the client in projects involving more than one contractor. They can be an organisation or an individual with sufficient knowledge, experience and ability to carry out the role.’ This may be combined with other roles on the project, such as project manager or architect.	+	Guidance published by the Health and Safety Executive in January 2015 defines principal designers as '...designers appointed by the client in projects involving more than one contractor. They can be an organisation or an individual with sufficient knowledge, experience and ability to carry out the role.' This may be combined with other roles on the project, such as project manager or architect.

	The guidance suggests that the role of principal designer includes:		The guidance suggests that the role of principal designer includes:

	* Informing the client of their duties under the regulations.		* Informing the client of their duties under the regulations.
−	* Planning, managing and monitoring health and safety in the pre-construction phase, including; identifying, eliminating or controlling foreseeable risks; and ensuring designers carry out their duties.	+	* Planning, managing and monitoring health and safety in the pre-construction phase, including identifying, eliminating or controlling foreseeable risks, and ensuring designers carry out their duties.
	* Helping compile pre-construction information and providing it to designers and contractors.		* Helping compile pre-construction information and providing it to designers and contractors.
	* Preparing the health and safety file and then reviewing, updating and revising it as the project progresses.		* Preparing the health and safety file and then reviewing, updating and revising it as the project progresses.
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	If domestic clients on projects involving more than one contractor fail to appoint a principal contractor and principal designer, those duties will fall to the designer and contractor in control of the pre-construction and construction phases. See CDM for self-builders and domestic clients for more information.		If domestic clients on projects involving more than one contractor fail to appoint a principal contractor and principal designer, those duties will fall to the designer and contractor in control of the pre-construction and construction phases. See CDM for self-builders and domestic clients for more information.

−	Guidance has been produced by the Construction Industry Advisory Committee (CONIAC) ~~with small businesses in mind: [http://www.citb.co.uk/Documents/CDM%20Regs/industry-~~guidance~~-principal-designer.pdf Industry guidance for Principal Designers (PDF, 150 KB)]~~.	+	Guidance for small businesses has been produced by the Construction Industry Advisory Committee (CONIAC), although the PDF version of this guidance previously published on the CITB website is no longer available online.

−	Legislative obligations to ~~Client~~	+	= Legislative obligations to client =

	A client who is unfamiliar with construction projects will need to be made aware that the CDM Regulations apply to their project.		A client who is unfamiliar with construction projects will need to be made aware that the CDM Regulations apply to their project.

−	~~Re-iterate~~ that ~~the CDM regulations 2015 prevent~~ work ~~continuing~~ beyond ~~very~~ initial design ~~work~~ until ~~a CDM co-ordinator is appointed.~~	+	Architects and other designers should make clients aware of the requirement to appoint a principal designer on projects involving more than one contractor, and that work should not proceed beyond the initial design stages until this appointment has been made.
−		+
−	~~Make the client aware that you are registered with the ARB and have to adhere to it’s Code of Conduct and as such you are required under~~ this ~~Code to inform the client that architects are subject to the disciplinary sanction of the Board in relation to complaints of unacceptable professional conduct or serious professional incompetence~~.	+

−	~~While as architects, such of~~ the ~~legislation will be bound into our scope of services~~ and ~~will be diligently carried out;~~ its ~~falls outside our scope~~ of ~~services to supply the client with exhaustive details. Therefore~~, ~~recommend~~ to the ~~client~~ to ~~contact their legal advisors for comprehensive legal advise~~.	+	Architects are also required to make clients aware that they are registered with the Architects Registration Board (ARB) and must adhere to its Code of Conduct, under which they are required to inform clients that architects are subject to the disciplinary sanction of the Board in relation to complaints of unacceptable professional conduct or serious professional incompetence.

−	~~The~~ CDM ~~2015 require Principal Contractors~~ and ~~Designers (as well as others involved in the project)~~ to ~~advise~~ the client of their ~~responsibilities regarding CDM~~.	+	While CDM obligations will generally be bound into a designer's scope of services and diligently carried out, it typically falls outside that scope to supply the client with exhaustive legal detail. Clients are usually recommended to contact their own legal advisors for comprehensive legal advice on their duties.

−	~~Advise~~ the client on the adequacy of ~~revised~~ sums and time allowed to give effect to ~~H&S~~ measures.	+	CDM 2015 requires principal contractors and designers (as well as others involved in the project) to advise the client of their responsibilities regarding CDM, and to advise the client on the adequacy of the sums and time allowed to give effect to health and safety measures.

−	In February 2020, ~~The~~ Health and Safety Executive (HSE) announced ~~new~~ research to better understand the benefits and challenges of the principal designer role.	+	In February 2020, the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) announced research to better understand the benefits and challenges of the principal designer role. Following this, HSE's second Post Implementation Review of CDM 2015 concluded that the regulations remain fit for purpose, with no changes required to the legislation itself. Rather than amending the regulations, HSE indicated it would focus on strengthening guidance for dutyholders, including clearer guidance on client obligations and principal designer competency requirements, and on producing more targeted guidance for small and medium-sized enterprises.

	= Related articles on Designing Buildings =		= Related articles on Designing Buildings =

	* CDM.		* CDM.
−	* CDM for self-builders and domestic clients	+	* CDM for self-builders and domestic clients.
	* CDM 2015.		* CDM 2015.
	* CDM 2015 client duties.		* CDM 2015 client duties.

Editor at 11:00, 10 December 2025

2025-12-10T11:00:03Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 11:00, 10 December 2025
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−	The Construction (Design and Management) Regulations (CDM Regulations) are intended to ensure that health and safety issues are properly considered during a project’s development so that the risk of harm to those who have to build, use and maintain structures is reduced. They were introduced in 1994 and revised in 2007. A further revision came into force in April 2015.	+	The Construction (Design and Management) Regulations (CDM Regulations) are intended to ensure that health and safety issues are properly considered during a project’s development so that the risk of harm to those who have to build, use and maintain structures is reduced. They were introduced in 1994 and revised in 2007. A further revision came into force in April 2015. see also Principal designer

	One of the key changes introduced by CDM 2015 is the replacement of the role of CDM co-ordinator (CDMC) with a principal designer (PD). The principal designer has responsibility for co-ordination of health and safety during the pre-construction phase. The reason for the change is to give responsibility for CDM during the design phase to an individual that has the ability to influence the design. Under the 2007 regulations, this role was often contracted out, resulting in extra costs, but the individual appointed was rarely properly embedded in the project team and so had little opportunity to influence the design.		One of the key changes introduced by CDM 2015 is the replacement of the role of CDM co-ordinator (CDMC) with a principal designer (PD). The principal designer has responsibility for co-ordination of health and safety during the pre-construction phase. The reason for the change is to give responsibility for CDM during the design phase to an individual that has the ability to influence the design. Under the 2007 regulations, this role was often contracted out, resulting in extra costs, but the individual appointed was rarely properly embedded in the project team and so had little opportunity to influence the design.
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	In February 2020, The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) announced new research to better understand the benefits and challenges of the principal designer role.		In February 2020, The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) announced new research to better understand the benefits and challenges of the principal designer role.

−	= Related articles on Designing Buildings ~~Wiki~~ =	+	= Related articles on Designing Buildings =

	* CDM.		* CDM.
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	* Health and Safety Executive.		* Health and Safety Executive.

−	[[Category:DCN_Definition]] [[Category:DCN_Guidance]] [[Category:DCN_Regulation]] [[Category:~~Building_safety~~]] [[Category:~~Health_and_safety_/_CDM~~]]	+	[[Category:DCN_Definition]] [[Category:DCN_Guidance]] [[Category:DCN_Regulation]] [[Category:Health_and_safety_/_CDM]] [[Category:Building_safety]]

Designing Buildings at 14:45, 8 May 2024

2024-05-08T14:45:15Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 14:45, 8 May 2024
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	* Health and Safety Executive.		* Health and Safety Executive.

−	[[Category:DCN_Definition]] [[Category:DCN_Guidance]] [[Category:DCN_Regulation]] [[Category:Health_and_safety_/_CDM]]	+	[[Category:DCN_Definition]] [[Category:DCN_Guidance]] [[Category:DCN_Regulation]] [[Category:Building_safety]] [[Category:Health_and_safety_/_CDM]]

Designing Buildings at 11:37, 22 February 2021

2021-02-22T11:37:20Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 11:37, 22 February 2021
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	Advise the client on the adequacy of revised sums and time allowed to give effect to H&S measures.		Advise the client on the adequacy of revised sums and time allowed to give effect to H&S measures.
		+
		+	In February 2020, The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) announced new research to better understand the benefits and challenges of the principal designer role.

	= Related articles on Designing Buildings Wiki =		= Related articles on Designing Buildings Wiki =

Designing Buildings at 06:51, 30 August 2020

2020-08-30T06:51:03Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 06:51, 30 August 2020
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	* Health and Safety Executive.		* Health and Safety Executive.

−	[[Category:Health_and_safety_/_CDM]]	+	[[Category:DCN_Definition]] [[Category:DCN_Guidance]] [[Category:DCN_Regulation]] [[Category:Health_and_safety_/_CDM]]

178.78.87.221 at 18:42, 29 December 2019

2019-12-29T18:42:41Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 18:42, 29 December 2019
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	The Construction (Design and Management) Regulations (CDM Regulations) are intended to ensure that health and safety issues are properly considered during a project’s development so that the risk of harm to those who have to build, use and maintain structures is reduced. They were introduced in 1994 and revised in 2007. A further revision came into force in April 2015.		The Construction (Design and Management) Regulations (CDM Regulations) are intended to ensure that health and safety issues are properly considered during a project’s development so that the risk of harm to those who have to build, use and maintain structures is reduced. They were introduced in 1994 and revised in 2007. A further revision came into force in April 2015.

−	One of the key changes introduced by CDM 2015 is replacement of the role of CDM co-ordinator (CDMC) with a principal designer (PD). The principal designer has responsibility for co-ordination of health and safety during the pre-construction phase. The reason for the change is to give responsibility for CDM during the design phase to an individual that has the ability to influence the design. Under the 2007 regulations, this role was often contracted out, resulting in extra costs, but the individual appointed was rarely properly embedded in the project team and so had little opportunity to influence the design.	+	One of the key changes introduced by CDM 2015 is the replacement of the role of CDM co-ordinator (CDMC) with a principal designer (PD). The principal designer has responsibility for co-ordination of health and safety during the pre-construction phase. The reason for the change is to give responsibility for CDM during the design phase to an individual that has the ability to influence the design. Under the 2007 regulations, this role was often contracted out, resulting in extra costs, but the individual appointed was rarely properly embedded in the project team and so had little opportunity to influence the design.

	Guidance published by the Health and Safety Executive in January 2015, defines principal designers as ‘…designers appointed by the client in projects involving more than one contractor. They can be an organisation or an individual with sufficient knowledge, experience and ability to carry out the role.’ This may be combined with other roles on the project, such as project manager or architect.		Guidance published by the Health and Safety Executive in January 2015, defines principal designers as ‘…designers appointed by the client in projects involving more than one contractor. They can be an organisation or an individual with sufficient knowledge, experience and ability to carry out the role.’ This may be combined with other roles on the project, such as project manager or architect.

Editor: Reverted edits by 134.225.30.76 (talk) to last revision by 217.44.125.143

2019-11-11T19:54:40Z

Reverted edits by 134.225.30.76 (talk) to last revision by 217.44.125.143

← Older revision		Revision as of 19:54, 11 November 2019
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−	~~Tjfrnjnvjnvj sj kc~~	+	The Construction (Design and Management) Regulations (CDM Regulations) are intended to ensure that health and safety issues are properly considered during a project’s development so that the risk of harm to those who have to build, use and maintain structures is reduced. They were introduced in 1994 and revised in 2007. A further revision came into force in April 2015.

	One of the key changes introduced by CDM 2015 is replacement of the role of CDM co-ordinator (CDMC) with a principal designer (PD). The principal designer has responsibility for co-ordination of health and safety during the pre-construction phase. The reason for the change is to give responsibility for CDM during the design phase to an individual that has the ability to influence the design. Under the 2007 regulations, this role was often contracted out, resulting in extra costs, but the individual appointed was rarely properly embedded in the project team and so had little opportunity to influence the design.		One of the key changes introduced by CDM 2015 is replacement of the role of CDM co-ordinator (CDMC) with a principal designer (PD). The principal designer has responsibility for co-ordination of health and safety during the pre-construction phase. The reason for the change is to give responsibility for CDM during the design phase to an individual that has the ability to influence the design. Under the 2007 regulations, this role was often contracted out, resulting in extra costs, but the individual appointed was rarely properly embedded in the project team and so had little opportunity to influence the design.

134.225.30.76 at 10:45, 11 November 2019

2019-11-11T10:45:36Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 10:45, 11 November 2019
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−	The Construction (Design and Management) Regulations (CDM Regulations) are intended to ensure that health and safety issues are properly considered during a project’s development so that the risk of harm to those who have to build, use and maintain structures is reduced. They were introduced in 1994 and revised in 2007. A further revision came into force in April 2015.	+	Tjfrnjnvjnvj sj kc

	One of the key changes introduced by CDM 2015 is replacement of the role of CDM co-ordinator (CDMC) with a principal designer (PD). The principal designer has responsibility for co-ordination of health and safety during the pre-construction phase. The reason for the change is to give responsibility for CDM during the design phase to an individual that has the ability to influence the design. Under the 2007 regulations, this role was often contracted out, resulting in extra costs, but the individual appointed was rarely properly embedded in the project team and so had little opportunity to influence the design.		One of the key changes introduced by CDM 2015 is replacement of the role of CDM co-ordinator (CDMC) with a principal designer (PD). The principal designer has responsibility for co-ordination of health and safety during the pre-construction phase. The reason for the change is to give responsibility for CDM during the design phase to an individual that has the ability to influence the design. Under the 2007 regulations, this role was often contracted out, resulting in extra costs, but the individual appointed was rarely properly embedded in the project team and so had little opportunity to influence the design.

217.44.125.143 at 10:44, 4 May 2019

2019-05-04T10:44:38Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 10:44, 4 May 2019
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	Guidance has been produced by the Construction Industry Advisory Committee (CONIAC) with small businesses in mind: [http://www.citb.co.uk/Documents/CDM%20Regs/industry-guidance-principal-designer.pdf Industry guidance for Principal Designers (PDF, 150 KB)].		Guidance has been produced by the Construction Industry Advisory Committee (CONIAC) with small businesses in mind: [http://www.citb.co.uk/Documents/CDM%20Regs/industry-guidance-principal-designer.pdf Industry guidance for Principal Designers (PDF, 150 KB)].
		+
		+	Legislative obligations to Client
		+
		+	A client who is unfamiliar with construction projects will need to be made aware that the CDM Regulations apply to their project.
		+
		+	Re-iterate that the CDM regulations 2015 prevent work continuing beyond very initial design work until a CDM co-ordinator is appointed.
		+
		+	Make the client aware that you are registered with the ARB and have to adhere to it’s Code of Conduct and as such you are required under this Code to inform the client that architects are subject to the disciplinary sanction of the Board in relation to complaints of unacceptable professional conduct or serious professional incompetence.
		+
		+	While as architects, such of the legislation will be bound into our scope of services and will be diligently carried out; its falls outside our scope of services to supply the client with exhaustive details. Therefore, recommend to the client to contact their legal advisors for comprehensive legal advise.
		+
		+	The CDM 2015 require Principal Contractors and Designers (as well as others involved in the project) to advise the client of their responsibilities regarding CDM.
		+
		+	Advise the client on the adequacy of revised sums and time allowed to give effect to H&S measures.

	= Related articles on Designing Buildings Wiki =		= Related articles on Designing Buildings Wiki =

Designing Buildings at 07:18, 4 May 2019

2019-05-04T07:18:52Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 07:18, 4 May 2019
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	* Taking into account the general principles of prevention.		* Taking into account the general principles of prevention.
	* Ensuring that all persons working in relation to the pre-construction phase cooperate with the client, the principal designer and each other.		* Ensuring that all persons working in relation to the pre-construction phase cooperate with the client, the principal designer and each other.
		+	* Checking that designers have sufficient skills, knowledge, experience and (if they are an organisation) the organisational capability to carry out the work.

	In addition, domestic clients can choose to have a written agreement with the principal designer to transfer their duties to the principal designer.		In addition, domestic clients can choose to have a written agreement with the principal designer to transfer their duties to the principal designer.
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	Guidance has been produced by the Construction Industry Advisory Committee (CONIAC) with small businesses in mind: [http://www.citb.co.uk/Documents/CDM%20Regs/industry-guidance-principal-designer.pdf Industry guidance for Principal Designers (PDF, 150 KB)].		Guidance has been produced by the Construction Industry Advisory Committee (CONIAC) with small businesses in mind: [http://www.citb.co.uk/Documents/CDM%20Regs/industry-guidance-principal-designer.pdf Industry guidance for Principal Designers (PDF, 150 KB)].

−	~~= Find out more =~~	+	= Related articles on Designing Buildings Wiki =
−		+
−	=== Related articles on Designing Buildings Wiki ===	+

	* CDM.		* CDM.