Internal contract
An internal contract is one that exists between a principal and an agent, i.e. the agent is legally appointed to act on its behalf. An external contract is one that exists between a principal and a third party, usually with the facilitation of an agent.
A service level agreement (SLA) is a common type of internal contract, which sets out what a supplier/service provider is required to provide to the client, and to what standard.
For more information, see Service level agreement.
Internal contracts can be prepared within an organisation, i.e. between teams or departments, or used for the outsourcing of services, such as facilities management, IT services, and so on.
Some of the elements typically required in an internal contract include:
- Name of the principal/client.
- Name of the agent/supplier.
- The product and/or services to be provided.
- Start date.
- Estimate of the elapsed time required. (For SLAs, this takes the form of a renewal date.)
- Price and the terms of payment.
- Client’s accountabilities, i.e. what the client must do/provide in order for the supplier to successfully perform the contract.
- Risks and assumptions about external dependencies that may hinder the performance of the contract.
[edit] Find out more
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings Wiki
Featured articles and news
Professional practical experience for Architects in training
The long process to transform the nature of education and professional practical experience in the Architecture profession following recent reports.
A people-first approach to retrofit
Moving away from the destructive paradigm of fabric-first.
International Electrician Day, 10 June 2025
Celebrating the role of electrical engineers from André-Marie Amperè, today and for the future.
New guide for clients launched at Houses of Parliament
'There has never been a more important time for clients to step up and ...ask the right questions'
The impact of recycled slate tiles
Innovation across the decades.
EPC changes for existing buildings
Changes and their context as the new RdSAP methodology comes into use from 15 June.
Skills England publishes Sector skills needs assessments
Priority areas relating to the built environment highlighted and described in brief.
BSRIA HVAC Market Watch - May 2025 Edition
Heat Pump Market Outlook: Policy, Performance & Refrigerant Trends for 2025–2028.
Committing to EDI in construction with CIOB
Built Environment professional bodies deepen commitment to EDI with two new signatories: CIAT and CICES.
Government Grenfell progress report at a glance
Line by line recomendation overview, with links to more details.
An engaging and lively review of his professional life.
Sustainable heating for listed buildings
A problem that needs to be approached intelligently.
50th Golden anniversary ECA Edmundson apprentice award
Deadline for entries has been extended to Friday 27 June, so don't miss out!
CIAT at the London Festival of Architecture
Designing for Everyone: Breaking Barriers in Inclusive Architecture.
Mixed reactions to apprenticeship and skills reform 2025
A 'welcome shift' for some and a 'backwards step' for others.