CDM & Building Regulations: Key differences between Principal Designers

We are already familiar with the CDM Principal Designer (CDM PD) and the function that they serve on projects. However, since October 2023, the changes to Building Regulations have meant that a second Principal Designer role has been introduced into the construction industry; the Building Regulations Principal Designer (BRPD).

Given they share a similar name and the consultants delivering the services are the same, you might be forgiven for thinking that they are the same thing. Yet each role has unique responsibilities and competency requirements, and there is an argument to suggest they should have differing names to stop the inevitable confusion.

Whether you are a client, designer, or contractor, understanding the key differences and specific impacts of these roles is essential.

The ‘CDM Principal Designer (CDM PD)’

The CDM PD operates under the Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 2015 (CDM 2015), which was introduced to ensure the health, safety, and welfare of construction projects.

A key part of this role is to ensure that health and safety considerations are embedded within the design process from the outset and that due thought is given to how a project is to be built. From the earliest stages of a project, the CDM PD identifies and manages risks, aiming to protect not only workers on-site but also future occupants and users of the building who may be affected by the construction activities.

Another aspect of the role is to facilitate communication between designers, contractors, and the client, ensuring that safety is not compromised at any stage.

The CDM PD also plays an advisory role to the client and project. They help the client understand their obligations under CDM 2015, making sure that the client is aware of their duties to appoint competent people and allocate sufficient resources and time for the project.

Documentary evidence and collating data is a key responsibility under CDM. The CDM PD will prepare a document called the ‘health & safety file’, which contains crucial information about the project that will be useful for anyone working on or maintaining the building in the future.

Beyond this, the CDM PD will ensure that projects comply with all relevant health and safety legislation and collaborate closely with the Principal Contractor and additional parties where necessary to ensure the construction site remains safe.

The ‘Building Regulations Principal Designer (BRPD)’

In contrast, the primary role of the newly created Building Regulations Principal Designer (BRPD) is to ensure that the project complies with the Building Regulations.

This means the role places a strong emphasis on reviewing the design and construction of a project from a compliance perspective, while also providing guidance on the overall competence of the entire design team.

Unlike the CDM PD, whose focus is on health and safety during construction, the BRPD is concerned with making sure that the finished building is safe and fit for purpose. Their role involves working closely with building control inspectors and this collaboration is key to obtaining the required approvals and certifications to verify compliance with Building Regulations. Without BRPD sign-off at the end of the project, a completion certificate cannot be issued.

Where issues of non-compliance arise, the BRPD must work with the design and construction teams to review the proposed design, consider design changes, and provide an overall service that confirms the building meets all relevant standards.

This could involve anything from altering fire escape routes; to improving insulation to meet energy efficiency standards. The breadth of all the Building Regulations falls under the BRPD’s scope to check and feedback.

The BRPD also advises the client and contractors on the legal requirements for projects and ensures that all necessary approvals, such as the completion certificate, are obtained. These approvals verify that the building meets the required standards and is safe for occupation.

Additional distinctions between CDM PD & BRPD roles

Although both roles are integral to a construction project's success, they have distinct focuses and responsibilities.

The CDM PD is primarily concerned with the safety of workers and others during the construction process. Their work revolves around identifying and managing health and safety risks and ensuring that everyone involved in the project is aware of their responsibilities regarding safety. Their ultimate goal is to prevent accidents and injuries during construction and to create a building that can be safely maintained in the future.

In contrast, the BRPD is focused on the technical compliance of the building itself. Their role ensures that the building will meet all statutory requirements, such as fire safety, structural stability, and energy efficiency, once it is completed. Their primary concern is the long-term safety and functionality of the building itself, rather than the safety of the construction process.

These two roles also operate under different regulatory frameworks. The CDM PD works within the framework of the CDM 2015 Regulations, which emphasise safety during construction. On the other hand, the BRPD operates within the framework of the Building Regulations, which set out technical requirements for buildings and ensure they are safe, energy-efficient, and accessible once completed.

Though distinct in their primary focuses, there is some overlap between the roles, particularly when it comes to safety. Both the CDM PD and the BRPD have a duty to ensure that buildings are designed with safety in mind, but their priorities differ.

The CDM PD focuses on protecting workers and those affected by construction, while the BRPD ensures the safety of future occupants.

To summarise

Effective collaboration between these two roles is crucial for the smooth and efficient running of a project.

For instance, decisions made by the CDM PD regarding the safe construction process can have an impact on the BRPD’s work to ensure that the building complies with technical standards.

While the differences between CDM PD and BRPD roles are nuanced, having an understanding of their distinctions is essential for project teams to navigate both roles effectively and ensure the successful delivery of safe, compliant projects.

Contact Ingleton Wood today

Discover more about CDM implications, improve your understanding of Building Regulations, and consider the health and safety factors affecting your next project, by visiting our website.

Alternatively, if you’re planning a new project and seeking expert advice, contact our team to help ensure safety and compliance every step of the way.

Additional resources

Our latest digital brochure is designed to help you navigate the recent changes to Building Regulations.?

Whether you're starting a new project or ensuring compliance with the latest regulations, this resource outlines the key updates and is essential for staying informed.

Click the link below to read our brochure and learn how these changes could affect your next project!

?? | https://brochures.ingletonwood.co.uk/view/1049607507/

In the meantime, keep an eye out for our industry-specific CPD sessions, which provide the perfect opportunity to stay informed about the latest trends and innovations in our field.

Thank you, and we invite you to connect with our CDM Health & Safety Director, Francis Hunter for further insight and information.