Events by Society of Construction Law

As the UK government continues to push for "The Construction Playbook" standards, collaborative contracting and alliancing models are becoming the preferred route for major infrastructure projects. This SCL Leicester seminar examines the legal frameworks that support integrated project teams and "no-blame" cultures. Moving away from the traditional adversarial model, this session looks at how legal drafting can incentivize performance rather than prepare for litigation. The presentation will cover the legal nuances of the FAC-1 Framework Alliance Contract and the NEC4 Alliance Contract (ALC). Our speakers will discuss the transition from fixed-price lump sum contracts to cost-reimbursable models with "pain/gain" share mechanisms. A key focus will be on the legal enforceability of "good faith" obligations and how dispute avoidance boards (DABs) are being utilized to resolve issues in real-time before they escalate into formal claims. This event is ideal for those involved in public sector procurement, infrastructure, and large-scale urban regeneration. We will look at local Leicestershire examples where collaborative models have been used to deliver complex civic projects. The session aims to provide a roadmap for lawyers and commercial managers to draft and manage contracts that prioritize project outcomes over individual organizational protection.

The Society of Construction Law invites you to a pivotal conference in Leicester reviewing the first full year of strict enforcement under the Building Safety Act 2022. This event brings together legal experts, Tier 1 contractors, and representatives from the Building Safety Regulator (BSR) to discuss how the industry has adapted to the "Gateways" system and the new regime for Higher-Risk Buildings (HRBs). We will explore the practicalities of the "Golden Thread" of information and the legal implications of failing to maintain digital records throughout the building lifecycle. The conference will feature a series of case studies focusing on the remediation of legacy fire safety issues and how the courts are interpreting the Extended Liability periods. Participants will gain insight into the recent "Accountable Person" disputes and the evolving role of the Principal Designer under the new secondary legislation. This session is particularly timely as the industry moves from a period of "readiness" into active compliance. We will discuss the potential for criminal liability and the professional indemnity insurance (PII) crisis that continues to shadow the sector. The afternoon will include a panel discussion on the future of building control and the certification process for multi-occupancy residential buildings in the East Midlands region.

Payment remains the lifeblood of the construction industry, yet it continues to be the primary source of friction and formal disputes. This SCL Leicester workshop is designed to provide a comprehensive update on the legal mechanics of payment applications, pay-less notices, and the consequences of "smash and grab" adjudications. With the 2026 economic landscape presenting new challenges for cash flow, understanding the strict timelines of the Housing Grants, Construction and Regeneration Act is more vital than ever. The workshop will compare and contrast the payment mechanisms within the JCT 2024 and NEC4 suites of contracts. We will dive deep into recent Court of Appeal decisions that have clarified the requirements for a valid payment notice and the high threshold for challenging an adjudicator’s decision on jurisdictional grounds. Speakers will provide practical "dos and don'ts" for contract administrators to ensure that payment cycles are managed without triggering unnecessary legal battles. Furthermore, the session will address the rising use of "Project Bank Accounts" and other digital payment solutions aimed at ensuring transparency down the supply chain. This is an essential session for anyone responsible for the financial administration of construction projects in the UK. The presentation is followed by a "War Stories" segment where practitioners share anonymized examples of payment disputes and how they were resolved through mediation or adjudication.

The Society of Construction Law is pleased to present a specialized technical seminar in Leicester focusing on the evolving landscape of professional negligence. This session, titled "Where does 'Everyone else was doing it' get you nowadays?", explores the modern application of the Bolam test. In an era of heightened accountability and complex building safety regulations, the burden of proof for construction professionals has become a critical point of contention in UK courts. The seminar will examine recent case law where defendants relied on industry-standard practices that were later deemed insufficient under judicial scrutiny. Our expert speakers will dissect the nuances of professional duty, focusing on how architects, engineers, and surveyors can protect themselves against claims of negligence. The session will cover the shift from "standard practice" to "best practice" and what the judiciary now expects from a "reasonably competent" professional. Attendees will benefit from a structured analysis of the Building Safety Act's impact on liability periods and the increased statutory duties placed on designers and contractors. Following the main presentation, there will be a moderated Q&A session where participants can discuss specific contractual challenges and risk mitigation strategies. The evening concludes with a networking reception, providing a platform for local professionals to share insights on the current legal climate in the East Midlands construction sector.

The Society of Construction Law (UK) is pleased to announce its upcoming regional seminar in Leicester, focused on providing a comprehensive update on the rapidly evolving legal landscape of the UK construction industry. This session is designed to bridge the gap between complex legal theory and practical site-based application. The 2026 update will focus heavily on the maturation of the Building Safety Act 2022 and its secondary legislation, which has now become a central pillar of project risk management. Our guest speakers, comprising leading Barristers and Senior Partners from Tier-1 construction firms, will break down recent landmark Court of Appeal decisions regarding payment disputes, "smash and grab" adjudications, and the interpretation of "fitness for purpose" versus "reasonable skill and care" in design-and-build contracts. Beyond the black-letter law, the seminar will explore the growing influence of ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) requirements in standard form contracts like the JCT and NEC4. We will discuss how decarbonization goals are being translated into enforceable contractual obligations and the potential for "green" disputes. The event concludes with a structured networking session, allowing attendees to discuss regional market trends with peers in a professional yet relaxed environment. Whether you are navigating professional indemnity insurance hurdles or managing complex delay claims, this event provides the clarity needed to mitigate risk in 2026.