An Introduction to the NEC Form of Contract - 6 Essential Modules

Introduction

The NEC standard form of contract was launched in 1993. Since then, this ‘new kid on the block’ has bedded into industry, and especially since NEC3 (2005) was applauded for its compliance with Constructing Excellence principles.

The NEC continues to grow in popularity and application and with NEC4 (2017) come further changes and developments, including new drafting, and additional members of the ‘family’ (or ‘suite’).

It is widely acknowledged that the NEC can support the construction and engineering industry to manage uncertainty and risk, and to avoid disputes. Its flexible drafting means it is suited to a range of projects from the small everyday ones to the biggest, most complex ones. Parties’ needs are met through carefully completing sets of project data and identifying documents to be included, as well as setting up systems to help the parties manage the contract processes. The industry’s long-standing requirements as to time, cost and quality are mapped in the contract terms and need to be identified and risk-managed.

This series of webinars will teach you all the key points about NEC so you can start to get to grips with this form of contract and use it successfully as the basis for your projects.

Suitable for: all those in procurement, contract management, project management, costs management, site management, risk management and law.

What You Will Learn

This modular webinar will cover the following:

Module 1: Introducing NEC

• What is the NEC’s philosophy, structure and what’s in the ‘family’ of contracts?
• How NEC aligns to contracts requiring certainty over time, cost and quality
• The role of the project manager and the supervisor

Module 2: Delivery and Risk

• How NEC manages risk during delivery phase
• Foresight: how to use the early warnings process
• Change control: compensation events and the process to extra time and money

Module 3: Cost Management

• Payment mechanism v payment procedure: the differences
• Compare and contrast the main options (payment mechanism)
• How to apply for, and assess (certify) money ‘due’

Module 4: Quality Management

• The importance of the Scope and what to include in it
• The option to include design, and professional indemnity liability
• How NEC manages quality assurance
• Procedure for completion and how to address and rectify defects

Module 5: Time Management

• Why is time central to NEC? How does time hold the NEC contract together?
• The concept of the accepted programme, and what each party should do
• Managing and measuring progress; tools, techniques and technology

Module 6: Dispute Avoidance and Resolution

• How NEC disputes arise: warning signs and what to do about them
• Dispute avoidance techniques and using NEC’s contract tools to support early closure
• Formal options for determination and resolution of NEC disputes

This webinar was recorded on 3rd February 2022