• What Do You Need to Know? • Client Question Checklist (by project stage) • Red Flags to Watch Out For • Plain-English Glossary of Common Construction Terms

This course is designed to equip non-technical public sector staff who act as the Client on construction projects with the knowledge and confidence to make informed decisions, ask the right questions at the right time and provide effective oversight throughout the project lifecycle. By developing a clear understanding of how building projects progress from brief to handover, participants will be much better placed to identify risks early, avoid unnecessary change, challenge unclear advice and ensure value for money. Even a modest improvement in client-side understanding can lead to significant cost savings, reduced delays and better-performing buildings, making this training a real investment in stronger governance, improved outcomes and responsible use of public resources.

Public sector organisations invest significant funds in building projects, yet many of the most costly risks arise not during construction, but much earlier when projects are defined, designed and overseen.

By the end of this course, you will:

• Know your role and responsibilities as the Client
• Be confident asking the right questions at the right time
• Recognise common risks, pitfalls and warning signs
• How to oversee consultants and contractors effectively
• Appreciate a decision made early can affect cost, programme and quality

All attendees will receive a full course pack to refer to and will have the benefit of learning from a trainer with a wealth of experience in this area.

Topics

The Client’s Role: Setting Projects up for success

• What “the Client” means in a construction context
• Typical public-sector client roles and responsibilities
• What the client is accountable for (even when consultants are appointed)
• The difference between delegating and abdicating
• Key Legislation and governance awareness (non-technical)
• How unclear client direction can cause cost overruns and delays
• How you can add value without being a technical expert?

From Concept to Brief: Defining the Right Project

• Turning organisational needs into a clear project brief
• Understanding – User requirements – functional needs – budget constraints – programme expectations
• The differences between: What we want – What we need – What we can afford
• Common briefing mistakes in public sector projects

Group exercise – Building a simple, effective client brief

Understanding the Design Process

• Overview of design stages and what the client should expect: Concept – Developed design – Technical/detailed design
• Who does what? – Architect – engineer – cost consultant – project managers
• Warning signs of design risk or incomplete information
• How design decisions impact cost, programme, compliance, operational use

Cost, Value & Risk – What Clients Need to Watch Out For

• Understanding project budgets in plain English
• Capital cost vs lifecycle cost – What are the biggest cost risks?
• How changes affect cost and programme – what happens if decisions are delayed?
• Risk Registers – What are they and how clients use them
• Managing expectations in a public-sector environment

Tendering & Procurement: A Client’s Guide

• Understanding – Tender documents – Evaluation criteria – clarifications
• Common procurement pitfalls
• Knowing when to challenge or seek clarification

Construction Stage: The Client’s Role on Site

• What happens during construction
• Roles of – Contractor – Project Manager – Design Team
• Site Meetings, reports, and approvals
• Managing change during construction
• What the client should and should not do
• How to read progress reports
• Understanding delays, claims and variations at a high level

Completion, Handover & Aftercare

• Practical completion vs final completion
• Snagging and defects
• Handover documentation
• Training, manuals and warranties
• Post-occupancy considerations
• Ensuring operational readiness
• Avoiding common handover mistakes
• Defect responsibilities post-handover

Pulling it all together

• The client’s role across the full lifecycle
• Key questions – checklist by project stage
• Knowing when to escalate concerns
• Working effectively with consultants and contractors

Who Should Attend

This course will be highly beneficial to all in public sector and particularly those who act as the client for construction projects.

Certification

On completion of this one-day training course, you will receive your Certificate of Attendance. Please note certificates are issued at the close of the training course to participants on completion of the course.

This course may qualify for CPD points. Please check directly with your association or awarding body to see how many points they will award.

Cost

An ‘Early Bird’ discounted rate of €499 is currently available. This training course normal rate is €599. Early-bird places are limited and are allocated on a first come first served basis.

The course cost includes all course documentation and Certificate of Attendance.