CDM and the Role of the Client

15 April 2025

HSE runs two courses to help employers comply with the Construction (Design and Management) Regulations (CDM) 2015.

• CDM and the Role of the Client
• CDM and the Role of the Principal Designer

Both courses cover the fundamentals of the CDM 2015 regulations and the relationships between key dutyholders (Clients, Principal Designers and Principal Contractors). They both offer a very similar overview with this one giving greater focus to the role of the Client. With this in mind, you may feel that you do not need to attend both courses, and instead select the one which is more closely aligned to your role or specialism.

Introduction

Clients are organisations or individuals for whom a construction project is carried out. They have specific legal duties under the CDM 2015 regulations. This is because the client is a major influence over the way a project is procured and managed. Regardless of the size of the project, the client has contractual control, appoints designers and contractors and determines the money, time and other resources available. They set the project's culture and standards of performance through their commitment, behaviour and relationships with the project team.

Learning outcomes

Delegates will be provided with information that will help them to:

• Have an overview of CDM 2015 and where the client role fits within it
• Understand who the client is on different projects, including where there may be more than one
• Know about the health and safety considerations, expectations and management arrangements a client has to make for a project and how these can be communicated through things like a client's brief
• Ensure the provision of adequate welfare facilities
• Understand the requirements for pre-construction information (PCI), the construction phase plan (CPP) and health and safety file (HSF) together with suitable arrangements for their delivery
• Know what is involved in assembling the project team including the appointments of a Principal Designer and Principal Contractor
• Know which projects are notifiable and the arrangements for this
• Understand the general CDM duties applicable to everyone on the project regarding appointments, cooperation, reporting and the provision of information

What the course will cover

This course is designed to help delegates understand the responsibilities of a client under CDM 2015 in ensuring that health and safety performance is an integral component of effective project management and delivery. A safe and healthy project will also deliver a timely, cost effective and quality product.

Who should attend?

This course is for anyone who commissions construction or maintenance work on buildings or other assets or those who need an understanding of clients' duties as part of another role.

Venue

The course will be run at the HSE Science and Research Centre in the spa town of Buxton.

Buxton is in the heart of the Peak District and has good links to major roads and motorways, mainline train stations and Manchester International Airport.

Details of hotels in the Buxton area can be found at www.visitbuxton.co.uk

Price

£580 per person (includes course notes, lunch and refreshments).

Book Course

Please note that all courses must be paid for via credit card at the time of booking.

Some of our training courses can also be delivered in-company, please contact us to discuss your requirements.

Email: HSEtraining@hse.gov.uk
Telephone: +44 (0)203 028 3704

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