The RICS Contract Administrator is similar to that of an Employer’s Agent’s role [see below] in that it involves the administration of a formal type of construction contract [that is not Design & Build], and as with the Employer’s Agent’s role can be carried out by a RICS Contract Administrator [i.e. Chartered Surveyor], Project Architect, Lead Consultant, Cost Consultant or a representative of the Client.

An RICS Contract Administrator are usually appointed directly by the Client to act on their behalf, and thereafter become responsible for instructing the project’s requirements as laid down within the contract. The scope of the services will often depend on timescales and the specific needs of the Client, and as mentioned above the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors appointment form provides an excellent way of confirming the range of services to be completed.

The Contract Administrator’s role involves responsibilities such as; establishing the Client’s Brief, nomination of suitable contractors, CDM Regulations, cost planning, outline programming, risk management, confirmation of sustainability standards, completion of tender documentation, tender analysis, contract preparation, chairing and minuting meetings, review of progress on site, issue of payment certificates, claims management, extensions of time, handover procedures, confirmation of Practical Completion [etc.].

The download link above provides access to the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors appointment forms for the ‘Employer’s Agent Role’ and the ‘Contract Administrators Role’. Both these documents outline the scope of services that can be tailor made to suit the Client’s preferences.

A well-organised Agent will have many responsibilities including services such as; establishing the Client’s Brief, nomination of suitable main contractors, advice on CDM Regulations, cost planning, risk management, outline programming, confirmation of sustainability targets, completion of tender documentation, tender analysis, contract preparation, chairing and minuting meetings, review of progress on site, issue of payment certificates, claims management, extensions of time, handover procedures, confirmation of Practical Completion [and more].