CIOB Client Guide (2nd edition)

Being a construction client isn’t just about creating the right building for the right price within the right timeframe. It is also an opportunity to solve some of the biggest economic, ethical and ecological problems we face today.

Construction clients play a pivotal role in our collective efforts to raise standards, improve collaborative working, encourage innovation and push towards net zero.

The new (2nd edition) Client Guide: Leading Projects in the Built Environment explains how projects are generally structured and managed, and what to look out for along the way, empowering clients with the knowledge and skills they need to succeed. It is aimed primarily at construction clients tasked with running larger projects but the principles apply to all clients regardless of project size.

It will be particularly useful if you are new to the process as it will help you to get the building blocks right from the start.

Drawing on CIOB members’ experience, the focus is on best practices and guidance that can be applied within the commercial and regulatory context to improve outcomes and create more value.

Caroline Gumble, (Dr) BSc (Open), CMS, MCIPD, FRSA, MIEx, HonMCCM CIOB Chief Executive said:

"Under the leadership of our Head of Client Development, Linda Stevens, CIOB has been able to make progress at pace in the last two years on our work to support a key component of the construction community - clients and client-contractor relationships. When the first version of this guide was published, I noted that our Past President, Mike Foy, had championed the role of clients and chose it as the theme for his presidential year. I was pleased with his decision and delighted to support it."

"The case that Mike made, saying that clients have the potential to help make huge positive change in the industry, is as true today as it was then. Arguably, it is even more urgent as the need for demonstrating competence and the delivery of high quality in the built environment comes under increasing scrutiny."

"The progress we have made will continue, not least with the publication of this refreshed Client Guide, and it remains my goal that this work helps to drive positive change in all our big challenges as an industry and an institute.

"I also want to take this opportunity to offer a special thank you to our supportive Client Steering Group and to all our Client Champions."

This revision supersedes The CIOB Client Guide (1st edition), for direct free download of the guide follow link CIOB Client Guide (2nd edition) Leading Projects in the Built Environment.

This article appears on the CION news site as "NEW CIOB Client Guide (2nd edition)" dated March 2025.

--CIOB

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