Nick Raynsford appointed as Chairman of CIC Comments invited on new CIC Consultants’ Contract

The CIC Consultants’ Contract (or ‘Cons Con’) is a standard form of contract for the appointment of consultants. It is intended to be used by experienced clients working with experienced consultants on major construction projects.
In preparation for the publication of the contract (hopefully later in the year), an Exposure Draft has been put on this website . Comments are invited, and should be sent by 14 August 2006 to consultation@cic.org.uk

The Consultants’ Contract has been developed by a multidisciplinary team taken from CIC’s wide membership. The conditions of contract were drafted by John Hughes-D’Aeth of Berwin Leighton Paisner, working from an agreed brief. The contract aims to strike a fair balance between the interests of clients and consultants, bearing in mind the market for which it is intended. It is clear, concise, easy to use and attractively produced. It is complementary to the standard forms currently published by the professional bodies and is sufficiently flexible to be used on traditional or design and build contracts – in other words the client might be a developer or design and build contractor. It can also be used in England and Wales, or Scotland.

The Cons Con also includes an innovative approach to services: the contract package includes comprehensive, fully integrated services, which set down by role the services required to fully define what is to be constructed. The parties allocate these services to the consultants appointed, specialists and the contractor, bearing in mind the procurement route and personnel involved. The resulting schedules which form part of the signed contract therefore create clarity and transparency. A full explanation can be found on the CIC website; the various documents are working drafts and comments and enquiries are very welcome.