Topic 1 of 5
The construction team
On any building job you'll work alongside lots of people with different jobs. Knowing who does what tells you who to ask, and who to report to.
The client side
| Role | What they do |
|---|---|
| Client | The person or organisation who wants the work done and pays for it. |
| Architect | Designs the building and often manages the project for the client. |
| Building services engineer (consultant) | Designs the electrical and mechanical services, such as power, lighting and heating. |
| Structural engineer | Makes sure the structure is strong and stable. |
| Quantity surveyor (QS) | Works out and controls costs, and values the work done. |
| Clerk of works | Inspects the work on site for the client to check its quality and that it matches the drawings and specification. |
The contractor side
| Role | What they do |
|---|---|
| Estimator | Prices the job before it's won. |
| Contracts manager | Oversees several jobs for the contractor. |
| Site manager (site agent) | Runs the site day to day: programme, safety, deliveries and trades. |
| Supervisor or chargehand | Leads a team of operatives on the tools. |
| Electrician (operative) | Installs, tests and commissions the electrical work. |
| Apprentice | Learns the trade while working under supervision. |
CDM 2015 duty holders
The Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 2015 give legal health and safety duties to: the client, designers, the principal designer (plans and coordinates safety before building starts), the principal contractor (plans, manages and monitors safety during building work), contractors and workers.
Exam tip: the clerk of works works for the client, not the contractor. The site manager works for the main contractor.
Mini test
6 questions. Pick an answer to see if you're right and why.