Dame Judith Hackitt has criticised outdated design and build contracts, calling for urgent CPD improvements to raise UK construction safety standards.
Dame Judith Hackitt has delivered a sharp critique of the UK construction sector's continued reliance on outdated design and build contracts. Speaking on the ongoing push for higher industry standards, she warned that legacy contracting models actively hinder accountability and safety improvements across projects. Alongside contract reform, Hackitt emphasized that continuous professional development (CPD) requires a massive overhaul to ensure tradespeople and project leads maintain up-to-date knowledge on safety and compliance.
The critique targets structural flaws in how projects are procured and delivered. Traditional design and build frameworks often encourage cost-cutting and fragmented responsibility, making it difficult to trace compliance under newer legislative standards like the Building Safety Act. By pushing for modernization in procurement alongside compulsory, high-quality CPD, the goal is to create a clear golden thread of accountability from design through to site execution.
What does this mean for a UK tradesperson or DIYer actually buying this kit — does it change what they should pay, buy, or watch out for?
For self-employed tradespeople, subcontractors, and small builders, this signals a shift in how work will be awarded and inspected on site. While it does not immediately alter the shelf price of materials at merchants like Screwfix or Travis Perkins, it directly impacts working practices and training costs. Subcontractors should expect main contractors to demand tighter proof of competency, updated safety credentials, and stricter adherence to specified products rather than cheaper alternatives. Builders should watch out for changing contract terms that shift compliance risk downward, making verified skills and audited product installation far more critical when pricing jobs.
The call for upgraded training means trades management will need to factor more time and budget into accredited CPD courses. Moving forward, demonstrating verified competency will become as vital as having the right tools on the van when tendering for commercial and residential work.
Reported by Construction Management — original article
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