Employer's
Agent
JCT Design & Build · Contract Administration · Design Appraisal · Practical Completion
Independent Employer's Agent services for design-and-build contracts. We represent your interests from Employer's Requirements through to final certificate — with clarity and without conflict.
What we do as your Employer's Agent
Employer's Requirements
Drafting and developing the Employer's Requirements document — setting out the scope, specification, design intent and obligations of the contractor under the design-and-build contract.
Tender Review
Reviewing contractor proposals, design submissions and pricing against the Employer's Requirements. Identifying discrepancies, design gaps and commercial risks before appointment.
Contract Administration
Administering the JCT contract throughout the construction phase — including payment certificates, change instructions, early warning management and extension of time assessment.
Design Appraisal
Reviewing and approving contractor design submissions against the Employer's Requirements. Managing design queries and maintaining a record of approved design information.
Practical Completion
Managing the practical completion process, snagging, issue of the Practical Completion Certificate and coordination of the defects liability period through to final certificate.
Supporting services
Employer's Agent explained
The Employer's Agent acts on behalf of the employer under a JCT design-and-build contract. Their duties include preparing or reviewing the Employer's Requirements, managing the tender process, administering the contract during construction, reviewing contractor design submissions, certifying payments and managing practical completion. They represent the employer's interests throughout the contract.
The roles overlap but are distinct. An Employer's Agent has specific contractual duties under the JCT design-and-build form, including the formal authority to issue instructions and certificates. A project manager may have a wider or different scope depending on the project. On design-and-build schemes, the Employer's Agent role typically encompasses the project management function.
We primarily administer JCT Design and Build 2016 contracts and its predecessors. We are familiar with the full suite of JCT forms and can advise on the appropriate amendments and special conditions for a particular scheme.
We can act for either. Where a funder has step-in rights, we are experienced in the reporting obligations that sit alongside the EA role and can provide funder reports alongside the contract administration function.
Yes. We have experience stepping into the Employer's Agent role on schemes where the original appointment has ended or where a change of adviser is required. We carry out a structured review of contract status before assuming the role.
Need an Employer's Agent?
We provide independent EA services for JCT design-and-build contracts across residential and commercial development schemes throughout the UK.
Client Portal
The Client Portal provides secure access to project documents, progress updates, and direct communication with your Matthews & Roberts team.
Request access: info@matthewsroberts.com
Portal access is provided to approved clients. Contact us if you need support.
Existing client?
Access your project portal to view documents and track progress.
New enquiry?
Tell us about your project and we'll respond within 24 hours.