CDM Principal Designer and CDM Advisor Services

Our Principal Designers coordinate health and safety during the pre-construction phase, a responsibility that was often outsourced under the 2007 regulations. This shift aims to embed the CDM Principal Designer within the project team, ensuring a direct influence on the design process, minimising extra costs and enhancing overall project safety.

The CDM Principal Designer's duties span across various aspects of the pre-construction phase.

• Informing the client of their duties under the regulations.
• Planning, managing, and monitoring health and safety in the pre-construction phase.
• Helping compile pre-construction information and distributing it to designers and contractors.
• Preparing, reviewing, updating, and revising the health and safety file throughout the project.
• Liaising with the principal contractor to assist in planning, managing, monitoring, and coordinating the construction phase.
• Ensuring general principles of prevention are considered.
• Ensuring cooperation among all parties involved in the pre-construction phase.
• Verifying the skills, knowledge, and experience of designers and their organisational capability.
• Facilitating the option for residential clients to transfer their duties to the CDM Principal Designer through a written agreement.

We recommend the appointment of a CDM Principal Designer as early as possible in the design process, preferably at the concept stage and at least before the start of the construction phase. Early appointment allows for effective planning and management of both pre-construction and construction phases.

Our CDM Advisor often support the CDM Principal Designer or the client in ensuring compliance with the CDM 2015. We provide  advice on the processes involved in construction design, risk mitigation measures, best practices for health and safety, and up-to-date legislation. Our CDM Advisor's input can significantly influence the project's adherence to health and safety standards.

In projects where the client or Principal Contractor may face constraints in time, resources, or competence to fully comply with duties under the CDM 2015, our CDM Advisors step in to bridge this gap. Our expertise ensures that every facet of the project remains within the bounds of safety regulations.

The solutions we offer, through the role of a CDM Advisor, include a set of duties and responsibilities that contribute to the safety of your project.

• Health and Safety Executive (HSE) notification - We undertake the task of notifying the HSE when necessary. This ensures prompt responses to potential health and safety issues. 
• Appointment of Dutyholders - Our services include the formal appointment of dutyholders in writing. This establishes clarity and accountability throughout the project, contributing to effective project management.
• Implementation of 'Suitable Management' arrangements - We ensure the establishment of 'suitable management' arrangements, facilitating the smooth running of the project by providing a structured approach to safety and regulatory compliance.
• Provision of relevant information prior to construction - Offering all relevant information before the construction phase is fundamental for risk assessment and safety planning. Our approach ensures comprehensive data for informed decision-making.
• Conduction and assistance in design safety review meetings - We conduct and assist in design safety review meetings, ensuring that all design aspects align with safety regulations and standards.
• Design risk management guidance and documentation - Providing guidance and documentation for design risk management is part of our service offering. This ensures the maintenance of high safety standards throughout the project.
• Assistance in compilation and issuance of pre-construction information - We assist in the compilation and issuance of pre-construction information, a component for informed decision-making during the design and planning process.
• Preparation and issuance of the health and safety file - Our services extend to assisting with the preparation and issuance of the health and safety file, offering a record of health and safety information for the project.

The services we offer as a CDM Advisor comprise a flexible array tailored to meet the specific requirements of your project. Key services include:

• Compliance advisory - Offering guidance on the application of CDM 2015, ensuring alignment of all project activities with these regulations.
• Risk management advisory - Providing advice on the identification, assessment, and mitigation of health and safety risks throughout the project lifecycle.
• Health and safety file maintenance - Similar to the CDM Principal Designer, our CDM Advisors can support in the creation and ongoing maintenance of your project's health and safety file.
• Training - Delivering comprehensive training to the project team on CDM 2015, creating a culture of health and safety within your project environment.
• Inspection and auditing - Conducting site inspections and audits to verify compliance with health and safety best practices and legislation.

The terms CDM Coordinator and CDM Advisor in the context of construction often cause confusion. The CDM Coordinator role, formerly known as the CDM Coordinator, was replaced by the CDM Principal Designer role in 2015 with the changes in CDM Regulations. The CDM Advisor, on the other hand, is a distinct role that supports either the Principal Designer or the client in meeting their legal obligations under the CDM 2015.

While a CDM Coordinator used to manage health and safety during pre-construction, the CDM Principal Designer now fulfills this role. Unlike a CDM Coordinator, a CDM Advisor doesn't have control over the design phase but offers expert advice to help the client comply with CDM 2015.