Where a construction project involves more than one contractor, the client must appoint a Principal Contractor to manage the construction phase.
The Principal Contractor has a number of important responsibilities, including planning, managing, monitoring and coordinating the construction phase. This includes taking health and safety risks into account, liaising with the client and Principal Designer, and preparing the construction phase plan.
Why Principal Contractor competence matters
Because the role has significant influence over how construction work is planned and managed, it is important that the Principal Contractor has the necessary competence to carry out their duties effectively.
The Building Engineering Services Association (BESA) has published a new Guidance Framework for Principal Contractor Competence (PAS 8672). The framework is designed to help Principal Contractors, clients and dutyholders understand what competence looks like in practice.
It considers the skills a Principal Contractor should be able to demonstrate, alongside the knowledge, experience and behaviours expected in the role.
What the guidance covers
The guidance explains how competence can be assessed and what evidence may be used. It covers six key categories.
Key areas of assessment
- Legal and contractual requirements
- Managing building work
- Planning and organising work
- Construction supervision and quality
- Leadership and competence culture
- Stakeholder and information management
Where to find the guidance
The guidance is available from the BESA website.
Support from PIB Risk Management
Our Building Surveying & Project Management specialists can support your organisation with contractor competence reviews, site safety arrangements and practical measures to help meet legal duties and improve project oversight.
