CDM 2015 Duties Reminder – For Inclusion in Enquiry Responses

Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 2015 – Dutyholder Responsibilities

Thank you for your enquiry. Before we can assess or price any construction‑related works, we must ensure that the project is compliant with the Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 2015 (CDM 2015).

We kindly ask all Clients, Designers, and Agents to confirm that the following duties have been fulfilled at enquiry stage:

1. Client Duties (Commercial Clients)

• Ensure the project is suitably managed, with adequate time and resources.

• Appoint competent dutyholders (Designer, Principal Designer, Contractor, Principal Contractor where required).

• Prepare and provide Pre‑Construction Information (PCI).

• Ensure welfare arrangements will be provided.

• Make sure the Principal Designer and Principal Contractor are able to carry out their duties.

2. Designer Duties

• Ensure the client is aware of their CDM duties before any design work begins.

• When preparing or modifying designs, eliminate or reduce foreseeable risks during construction, use, maintenance, and demolition.

• Provide relevant design risk information to the client, Principal Designer, and Principal Contractor.

• Coordinate with other designers and contractors to ensure safe, compatible designs.

3. Principal Designer Duties (if more than one contractor)

• Plan, manage, and monitor health and safety during the pre‑construction phase.

• Coordinate designers and ensure risks are eliminated or controlled.

• Prepare and issue relevant information to other dutyholders.

4. What We Need Before Proceeding

To progress your enquiry, please confirm that:

• Dutyholder roles have been identified and appointed (where applicable).

• Pre‑Construction Information is available or in preparation.

• Designers have completed initial design‑risk management.

• The project is being managed in accordance with CDM 2015.

Without these elements, we may be unable to provide a quotation or proceed further, as CDM compliance is a legal requirement for all construction projects.

We appreciate your cooperation in ensuring a safe, compliant, and well‑managed project.

Why this works

• Professional, not confrontational — it reminds them of legal duties without accusing them of non‑compliance.

• Shifts responsibility back to the client/designer — where CDM places it.

• Filters out unserious enquiries — those unwilling to meet CDM requirements usually disappear.

• Protects your business — you avoid pricing projects that are fundamentally non‑compliant.

Optional: A shorter “quick‑response” version

If you want something even more concise for email replies:

Before we can progress your enquiry, please confirm that CDM 2015 duties have been fulfilled at this stage — including appointment of dutyholders, provision of Pre‑Construction Information, and completion of initial design‑risk management. As contractors, we are unable to proceed where CDM requirements have not been met.