Responsibilities of the Principal Designer under CDM 2015

Replacement of CDM Co-ordinator Role

A significant change in CDM 2015 is the replacement of the CDM Coordinator (created under CDM 2007), with a new Principal Designer (PD) role. The appointment of the PD is the responsibility of the Client for all projects involving more than one Contractor, including domestic projects.  The Client also has a duty to ‘take reasonable steps’ to ensure the PD complies with any other PD duties under 2015.

In short, the Project Lead Designer or indeed any of the aforementioned roles may be appointed as PD, if they have control of the pre-construction phase.  As the term 'control' relates only to the management of health, safety and welfare on construction projects, and not to other aspects of project management, it is important to bear in mind that anyone undertaking the PD role must have the skills, knowledge and experience necessary to perform the functions required at Regulations 11 and 12 of CDM 2015.

In situations where the Designer does not have appropriate skills, knowledge or experience, they might be supported by a Health and Safety Advisor, although the Designer will remain accountable for the performance of the PD duties.

Transitional Arrangement for Existing Projects

Clients should be aware that the transitional arrangements for existing projects (including non-notifiable projects) require them to assess their current management arrangements for compliance of CDM 2015. Where an existing project has a CDM Coordinator, a PD must be appointed before 6 October 2015 unless the project ends before that date. During the interim period the existing CDM Coordinator must fulfil the transitional duties specified.

The project management implications of the introduction of the PD role are clear.  The PD has a more central role in a construction project than the CDM Coordinator previously had, so is in a far better position to influence health and safety early in the project.

As the vast majority of construction projects will have more than one contractor, the focus is now squarely on the Client to appoint a PD, and also to ensure that the PD complies with their statutory duties. Any failure to do so could also lead to costly enforcement intervention, including the issue of notices to remedy deficiencies or stop dangerous activities.

Further information

• CDM 2015 Roles and Responsibilities of Duty Holders

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