Author Archives: Ian Harris

Subcontractor Competence Assessment for Principal Contractors: A Proportionate Approach

Subcontractor Competence Assessment for Principal Contractors: A Proportionate Approach

A practical, risk-based way for Principal Contractors to assess subcontractor competence under CDM 2015: what evidence to request, how to record decisions, how to manage gaps with supervision and training, and how to keep competence records consistent across projects.

Temporary Works Coordination (PC Perspective): Responsibilities, Interfaces, and Evidence to Keep

Temporary Works Coordination (PC Perspective): Responsibilities, Interfaces, and Evidence to Keep

A practical Principal Contractor view of temporary works coordination: what you need to put in place on site, how to manage interfaces and hold points, and what evidence to keep under CDM 2015.

Retained Competent Person Support for CDM Principal Contractors: What You Get and How It Works

Retained Competent Person Support for CDM Principal Contractors: What You Get and How It Works

A plain-English guide to cdm principal contractor retained competent person support for SME Principal Contractors on non-domestic, non-HRB projects—covering set-up, monthly rhythm, site visits vs remote help, document control, and the practical evidence and workflows typically expected under CDM 2015.

Bespoke Construction Phase Plan Writing (UK): What PCs Need to Provide and What a Good Output Includes

Bespoke Construction Phase Plan Writing (UK): What PCs Need to Provide and What a Good Output Includes

A practical guide for UK Principal Contractors on what information is needed for a truly bespoke Construction Phase Plan, how it’s tailored to the job, how it’s kept live through change control, and what supporting evidence should sit alongside it under CDM 2015.

Site File Set-Up for Principal Contractors: Digital Structure, Standards, and Roll-Out Across Sites

Site File Set-Up for Principal Contractors: Digital Structure, Standards, and Roll-Out Across Sites

A practical guide to an audit-ready site file system for Principal Contractors under CDM 2015: folder structure, naming and version rules, evidence standards, action tracking, and consistent roll-out across multiple non-domestic sites—without admin overload.

What Is ConstructionLine Bronze? What It Covers, Who It’s For, and What Evidence Is Typically Expected

What Is ConstructionLine Bronze? What It Covers, Who It’s For, and What Evidence Is Typically Expected

ConstructionLine Bronze is the entry-level verification used by many UK construction buyers to quickly check core business, insurance and basic H&S evidence. Here’s what it’s for, what it doesn’t prove, what evidence is typically expected, and how to prepare a smooth first submission.

Principal Contractor Site Inspections: Frequency, Focus Areas, and Records That Stand Up

Principal Contractor Site Inspections: Frequency, Focus Areas, and Records That Stand Up

A practical guide to principal contractor site inspections under CDM 2015: how often to inspect by risk and project phase, what to look for, and what to record so findings, actions and close-out are clear and auditable.

Principal Contractor Site File Contents: How to Structure an Audit-Ready Evidence Trail

What does RAMS stand for? Essential on-site documentation.

A practical, PC-focused guide to site file contents under CDM 2015 for non-domestic projects: what to file, how to structure folders, naming/version control, sign-offs, what stays on site vs centrally, and how to stay audit-ready across multiple sites.

How a Principal Contractor Should Review Subcontractor RAMS (A Practical Workflow)

How a Principal Contractor Should Review Subcontractor RAMS (A Practical Workflow)

A step-by-step principal contractor RAMS review process for receiving, checking, accepting, briefing and controlling subcontractor method statements on non-domestic projects under CDM 2015.

Construction Phase Plan Requirements (PC View): What to Include and What ‘Good’ Looks Like

Construction Phase Plan Requirements (PC View): What to Include and What ‘Good’ Looks Like

A practical, Principal Contractor-focused guide to construction phase plan requirements under CDM 2015 for typical UK non-domestic projects—what must be project-specific, where CPPs commonly fail audits, and how to keep the plan live with reviews and version control.