Decision details

To raise awareness with regard to these regulations, which came into force on 1 April 2007.  Members will be asked to approve a protocol which will set out where responsibilities lie and recommend appropriate risk management.  This will affect all construction projects and all Directorates of the Council

Advice of the Advisory Panel

That the Executive Member be advised:

(i)           That Option B be endorsed for action across Directorates involved in construction design and management.

Decision of the Executive Member

RESOLVED:That the advice of the Advisory Panel be accepted and endorsed.

REASON: The Council is vulnerable under the Health & Safety at Work Act if construction design and management and the safe operation of buildings is compromised. The current position is that the design of buildings, the project management of construction work and the operation of premises may be carried out by various sections within the council, including schools, without real direction or monitoring in the application of the CDM Regulations.

This should not be allowed to continue. Formal channels for the development of projects and the safe management of buildings under an auditable regime relative to the CDM Regulations should be put in place.