The key change in the CDM Regulations 2015 is the dropping of the CDM Co-ordinator role created under CDM 2007 and the creation of the principal designer who will be a member of the design team.

The core technical standards set out in the new Regulations remain essentially unchanged from those in CDM 2007; the majority of change relates to the management of projects determined by the revised roles and duties of the client, principal designer, principal contractor, designers and contractors.

Notification to the HSE under CDM 2015 is still required for projects that will exceed 500 person days, or have more than 20 persons working on projects lasting more than 30 days.

A domestic client is an individual for whom a construction project is being carried out on their own home, or the home of a family member, that is NOT done in furtherance of a business whether for profit or not.

Domestic clients must make suitable arrangements for managing a project and make sure that:

Other duty holders are appointed
Sufficient time and resources are allocated.
Relevant information is prepared and provided to other duty holders
The principal designer and principal contractor carry out their duties
Welfare facilities are provided and are of a suitable standard.

In reality the principal contractor should be asked to take on the clients duties and the “the designer/architect” should be asked to take on the principal designer role.

NB: Both of these appointments need to be in writing.

A commercial client is an organisation or an individual for which a construction project is being carried out that is done in connection with a business whether the business operates for profit or not.

Commercial clients include local authorities, housing associations or other landlords who own domestic properties.

Commercial clients must make suitable arrangements for managing a project and make sure that:

Other duty holders are appointed in writing (Principal Contractor & Principal Designer)
Sufficient time and resources are allocated.
Relevant information is prepared and provided to other duty holders
The principal designer and principal contractor carry out their duties
Welfare facilities are provided and are of a suitable standard.