JCT Construction management contract
Construction management is a procurement route in which the works are constructed by a number of different trade contractors. These trade contractors are contracted to the employer but managed by a construction manager.
The Joint Contracts Tribunal (JCT)’s Construction Management Contract (JCT-CM) is designed for use on projects where separate trade contractors are appointed by the employer, with separate contractual responsibilities to construct the works. The construction manager is appointed by the employer to oversee the completion of the works in the capacity of employer’s agent. This involves issuing instructions, preparing certifications, administering contract conditions, and so on.
The construction manager is generally appointed early in the design process so that their experience can be used to improve the cost and buildability of proposals as they develop, as well as to advise on packaging, and the selection of trade contractors.
Appointing a construction manager enables some trade packages to be tendered earlier than others, and sometimes, even before the design is completed.
The design is provided by the employer, often developed by an architect or design team working on behalf of the employer.
JCT-CM comprises a range of different documents – Construction Management Appointment (CM/A), and separate Construction Management Trade Contracts (CM/TC).
This form of contracting is generally only used by experienced employers.
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings
- Construction contract.
- Construction manager.
- Construction manager at-risk.
- Construction management: outline work plan.
- Design and build contract.
- Design and build - pros and cons.
- Integrated project delivery (IPD).
- Intermediate Building Contract.
- JCT.
- Management Building Contract.
- Management contractor.
- Repair and maintenance contract.
Featured articles and news
Government consultations for the summer of 2025
A year of Labour, past and present consultations on the environment, the built environment, training and tax.
CMA competitiveness probe of major housing developers
100 million affordable housing contributions committed with further consultation published.
Homes England supports Greencore Homes
42 new build affordable sustainable homes in Oxfordshire.
Zero carbon social housing: unlocking brownfield potential
Seven ZEDpod strategies for brownfield housing success.
CIOB report; a blueprint for SDGs and the built environment
Pairing the Sustainable Development Goals with projects.
Types, tests, standards and fires relating to external cladding
Brief descriptions with an extensive list of fires for review.
Latest Build UK Building Safety Regime explainer published
Key elements in one short, now updated document.
UKGBC launch the UK Climate Resilience Roadmap
First guidance of its kind on direct climate impacts for the built environment and how it can adapt.
CLC Health, Safety and Wellbeing Strategy 2025
Launched by the Minister for Industry to look at fatalities on site, improving mental health and other issues.
One of the most impressive Victorian architects. Book review.
Common Assessment Standard now with building safety
New CAS update now includes mandatory building safety questions.
RTPI leader to become new CIOB Chief Executive Officer
Dr Victoria Hills MRTPI, FICE to take over after Caroline Gumble’s departure.
Social and affordable housing, a long term plan for delivery
The “Delivering a Decade of Renewal for Social and Affordable Housing” strategy sets out future path.
A change to adoptive architecture
Effects of global weather warming on architectural detailing, material choice and human interaction.
The proposed publicly owned and backed subsidiary of Homes England, to facilitate new homes.
How big is the problem and what can we do to mitigate the effects?
Overheating guidance and tools for building designers
A number of cool guides to help with the heat.
The UK's Modern Industrial Strategy: A 10 year plan
Previous consultation criticism, current key elements and general support with some persisting reservations.
Building Safety Regulator reforms
New roles, new staff and a new fast track service pave the way for a single construction regulator.