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Understanding NEC Contracts

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Upcoming Open Courses for Understanding NEC Contracts

  • 12
    May

    Understanding NEC Contracts - Virtual Classroom

    1 day, 09:30 AM - 05:00 PM
    Online
    Understanding NEC Contracts
    • £250.00 excl. VAT
    Event is fullJoin waiting list
  • 12
    May

    Understanding NEC Contracts - Virtual Classroom

    1 day, 09:30 AM - 05:00 PM
    Online
    Understanding NEC Contracts
    • £250.00 excl. VAT
    Event is fullJoin waiting list

Course Details

A detailed one-day course covering NEC Contracts. Helping you understand the fundamental principles of the NEC suite of contracts.

Open courses for individuals or bespoke courses for groups.

Duration

1 day

What is this course about?

This is a detailed one-day course which gives an overview of the different types of contracts available within the NEC4 suite of contracts. The session will also identify the differences from NEC3 which whilst many attendees may still be using they will be switching to NEC4 for future projects. The NEC4 contracts are described as “evolution rather than revolution” so they are mostly subtle changes or enhancements from the NEC3 contract wording. The workshop explores in specific detail the Engineering and Construction Contract (ECC) which is the most commonly used form within the suite for managing a construction contract, which includes many of the core clauses which are common to the whole suite.

The course reviews the various options available within ECC in terms of being a lump sum contract, target cost or a cost reimbursable type contract as well as looking in detail at the intricacies of understanding and administering the contract for the benefit of all involved in running a project. Whilst the contract is written such that it should be easy to use and understand, it is different culturally from other forms of contract and parties can get into difficulties if they do not understand or administer the contract.

Objectives

At the end of the course those who have attended will understand:

  • The different types of contract available within the NEC suite and when they will be most applicable
  • The overriding philosophy and culture of the NEC contracts that are common to all
  • All of the contract documents involved and their relative importance
  • Each of the core principles of the contract which include defined terms, communication, early warnings, contractors responsibilities, payment, defects, liabilities and termination.
  • The importance and significance of the programme and how it will be managed contractually for the life of the project
  • How change will be managed, and in particular the principles of Compensation Events and the strict processes and timescales involved
  • The key changes between NEC3 and NEC4

Key topics covered

  1. Objectives of NEC contracts and range of Contracts available
  2. ECC Contract and associated Contract Strategy
  3. Contract Data
  4. Section 1 of the Contract
  5. Early Warnings
  6. Contractors Responsibilities
  7. Time / Programme
  8. Testing and Defects
  9. Payment
  10. Compensation events
  11. Adjudication
  12. Summary of workshop

Who would benefit?

Anyone involved in the running or administration of a construction project, which will include:

  • Project managers
  • Contract managers
  • Commercial managers
  • Quantity surveyors
  • Planners
  • Engineers
  • Estimators
  • Tender and Proposals Engineers
  • Designers / Architects

Objectives

At the end of the course those who have attended will understand:

  • The different types of contract available within the NEC suite and when they will be most applicable
  • The overriding philosophy and culture of the NEC contracts that are common to all
  • All of the contract documents involved and their relative importance
  • Each of the core principles of the contract which include defined terms, communication, early warnings, contractors responsibilities, payment, defects, liabilities and termination.
  • The importance and significance of the programme and how it will be managed contractually for the life of the project
  • How change will be managed, and in particular the principles of Compensation Events and the strict processes and timescales involved
  • The key changes between NEC3 and NEC4

Duration

1 day

What is this course about?

This is a detailed one-day course which gives an overview of the different types of contracts available within the NEC4 suite of contracts. The session will also identify the differences from NEC3 which whilst many attendees may still be using they will be switching to NEC4 for future projects. The NEC4 contracts are described as “evolution rather than revolution” so they are mostly subtle changes or enhancements from the NEC3 contract wording. The workshop explores in specific detail the Engineering and Construction Contract (ECC) which is the most commonly used form within the suite for managing a construction contract, which includes many of the core clauses which are common to the whole suite.

The course reviews the various options available within ECC in terms of being a lump sum contract, target cost or a cost reimbursable type contract as well as looking in detail at the intricacies of understanding and administering the contract for the benefit of all involved in running a project. Whilst the contract is written such that it should be easy to use and understand, it is different culturally from other forms of contract and parties can get into difficulties if they do not understand or administer the contract.

Who would benefit?

Anyone involved in the running or administration of a construction project, which will include:

  • Project managers
  • Contract managers
  • Commercial managers
  • Quantity surveyors
  • Planners
  • Engineers
  • Estimators
  • Tender and Proposals Engineers
  • Designers / Architects

Objectives

At the end of the course those who have attended will understand:

  • The different types of contract available within the NEC suite and when they will be most applicable
  • The overriding philosophy and culture of the NEC contracts that are common to all
  • All of the contract documents involved and their relative importance
  • Each of the core principles of the contract which include defined terms, communication, early warnings, contractors responsibilities, payment, defects, liabilities and termination.
  • The importance and significance of the programme and how it will be managed contractually for the life of the project
  • How change will be managed, and in particular the principles of Compensation Events and the strict processes and timescales involved
  • The key changes between NEC3 and NEC4

Key topics covered

1. Objectives of NEC contracts and range of Contracts available

  • Fundamental essences that are common to all of the contracts
  • Range of contracts available and when they will be applicable

2. ECC Contract and associated Contract Strategy

  • Core clauses
  • Options A-F
  • Secondary Options
  • Z clause amendments
  • Key changes that NEC4 brings

3. Contract Data

  • Contract data part 1
  • Contract data part 2

4. Section 1 of the Contract

  • ‘Spirit of mutual trust and co-operation’
  • Defined and identified terms
  • Communications
  • Project Manager
  • Ambiguities and inconsistencies

5. Early Warnings

  • What early warnings are
  • How they should be managed

6. Contractors Responsibilities

  • Design
  • People
  • Working with Others
  • Subcontracting

7. Time / Programme

  • Level of detail required of a programme
  • Acceptance of a programme
  • Revising a programme
  • Acceleration

8. Testing and Defects

  • What is a defect?
  • Acceptance of defects

9. Payment

  • Definition of prices
  • Definition of price for work done to date and activity schedule / bill of quantities
  • Target cost share
  • Schedule of cost components

10. Compensation events

  • What is a compensation event?
  • Notification
  • Quotation
  • Assessment
  • Implementation

11. Adjudication

  • The process and timescales involved

12. Summary

  • Summary of workshop
  • Open forum for questions
Download Programme

Understanding NEC Contracts – Open Course

We run our Understanding NEC Contracts course regularly throughout the year.

Click on any of the tabs below to find out more about our NEC open course.

You can view full booking terms and conditions here.

If you would prefer to, or if your question is not answered below, you can just pick up the phone and call us on 0845 130 5714 or email info@contractlawtraining.co.uk.

Frequently Asked Question's

When is the next course and how do I book?

The next course is taking place on Tuesday 12 May 2026.

You can book this course by using the red book now button at the top right of this page.

How much does it cost?

This one-day virtual training programme is priced at £250 +VAT per delegate.

You can pay for the course by credit card or request an invoice.

Do you offer multiple booking discounts?

If you are booking more than one delegate onto this course, you will benefit from a multiple booking discount of 10% for the second delegate and 15% for each additional delegate after that.

Where is the course being held?
This training programme will be taking place as a virtual classroom event.
How many people attend the course?
  • We never have more than 15 delegates attending any of our virtual classroom events
  • We also only allow a maximum of 4 delegates from the same organisation to attend the course
What time does the course start and finish?

This course begins at 9am and ends no later than 4pm.

I can't make the next date, do you have other dates planned in?

Yes. We run this course regularly throughout the year. Call us on 0845 130 5714 or email info@contractlawtraining.co.uk and we will tell you the next available date(s).

Alternatively click here to be taken to our full open course schedule. To only view dates for this particular course, simply click on the blue button immediately below the red ‘Book Now’ button on the right of the screen.

Can you help with hotels near the venue?

We are able to supply you with a list of local hotels with whom we have agreed special rates. This is available on request by emailing info@contractlawtraining.co.uk

What is the dress code?

There is no strict dress code for our events – please feel whatever you feel most comfortable in for learning. As a guide, most of our delegates choose a ‘smart casual’ attire.

I have special dietary requirements, can these be catered for?

Please let us know your dietary requirements in advance of the course and we will inform the onsite caterers.

I am not sure this course is right for me, can I discuss it with someone prior to booking?

By all means, please call us on 0845 130 5714 or send an email to info@contractlawtraining.co.uk.

Alternatively you can click on the big red enquiry button at the top of the page to send us a message.

Do you offer this course in-company?

We can deliver this course for your organisation / team using your own contracts to bring the course to life. Simply call us on 0845 130 5714 or send an email to info@contractlawtraining.co.uk.

Alternatively you can click on the big red enquiry button at the top of the page to send us a message.

In-company training

Are you interested in running this course for your team or organisation?

Our NEC Contract courses can be delivered on an in-company basis for up to 15 people.

All in-company courses are tailored to meet the unique circumstances of the client organisation and delegates. We will take as much time as necessary upfront to understand your contract challenges and the scenarios which will be most relevant to your delegates.

We can put the focus on any area of NEC and make reference to your contracts / projects throughout the course.

On an in-company basis delegates get the opportunity to spend time consulting with one of the UK’s leading experts on NEC on what the contract means to them and their organisation.

From the outset we will provide you with expert advice and you will be assigned your own personal training adviser who will stay with you throughout the process. Every team is different so we will provide you with a tailored training programme, designed around your team’s needs and focused on your desired outcomes.

All courses are followed up by a full training evaluation report and certificates of learning for each delegate. For groups of up to 15 delegates per course, our in-company training is a very cost-effective way to develop your people and improve team performance.

Get in touch today for a full quotation to suit your budget.

To discuss your requirements in more detail with one of our friendly advisers please call on 0845 130 5714 or email one of the team at info@contractlawtraining.co.uk.

Alternatively you can complete the short contact form below.

Bespoke Courses

In-company training for groups

This course is available as a bespoke programme using your own contracts.

Courses can be run at a venue of your choice and on a date of your choice.

Find out more

Contract Checklist

Is your contract ready? Download our “know your contract checklist”, a series of 30 key questions that you can use to evaluate whether any business contract is good to go.

Covering everything from defining the contract, statements and promises, performance and procedures through to remedies and risks.

Download Checklist

Related Courses

Testimonials

1 / 1

  • We identified a need within the business to develop the contract management skills of our key personnel and to sharpen our commercial focus, specifically in relation to contracts. We were impressed by the way GA took the time to understand our exact requirements and develop a bespoke training programme for us. During the consultation process we were reassured that GA were listening to our needs and felt confident the right programme would be delivered.

    Prior to the training we sent over some of our contracts and tenders and these were built into the training programme. This helped our people to translate the learning to their own environment and made sure the programme was not generic and off-the-shelf.

    Our training consultant was excellent, both leading up to the programme and during the training, and had a great delivery style. We were also very pleased with the levels of account management and support we received from GA throughout. We would have no hesitation in recommending GA Training as a provider of contract management training.

    Daimler AG

  • Nasmyth Group took the decision to proactively invest in the development of its key personnel to give them the knowledge and tools they need to operate even more effectively in a challenging commercial environment. We identified two levels of development, one for the group Managing Directors and one for the purchasing and business development functions across the group.

    We were impressed by the approach GA Training took to fully understanding our needs and then developing a solution to meet these needs. Two separate programmes of training were developed during the consultation phase and we were pleased that GA was able to build the learning around our own contracts and commercial world.

    The training delivery style was excellent, taking what could be a dry subject and making it interesting and relevant to our people. The GA consultant had a very engaging approach and was also highly knowledgeable in the subject. The trainer used appropriate examples and workshops to demonstrate the key concepts throughout the training.

    From the beginning we felt valued by GA Training as a client and were very happy with the levels of customer service and support we received throughout. The team looking after us really went the extra mile. We would definitely recommend GA Training and use them again for this type of development.

    Nasmyth Group

  • GA’s approach was very professional, the training to the point, insightful and directly applicable to what we do. The trainer was totally in tune with the subject, our business, and realities of our job roles.

    There are very few that actually listen to what the requirement is and deliver what they say, providing real value for money. GA is one of the few that I have come across.

    Flexibility, professionalism, expertise and commitment to achieving your goals are words that I would use to sum up my experience of working with GA.

    Barton Willmore

  • I wanted to take a moment to thank you for the work you are doing with PDR. Your program has been a big success this year and people in San Francisco and not only here in Basel talked about it for a long while.

    It is gratifying to see how we picked up a good idea and made it available to so many people globally. I hope you continue with the good spirit until the end of the year and I look forward to exploring how to have some follow up offer in place for 2015 and beyond.

    Detlef Hold, Global Head of Learning and Development F. Hoffmann-La Roche

  • TP Group Plc decided to proactively invest in developing the commercial acumen and contractual awareness of its staff to help us to align technical expertise with an understanding of the wider commercial context. This was a new area of development for TP Group, so we needed to carefully select a provider to partner with on this initiative.

    We chose to work with GA Contract and Commercial after an initial consultation in which we were convinced that GA understood exactly what we were trying to achieve and crucially that they had the necessary track record in delivering this type of development.

    Prior to the programme of training GA spent a great deal of time listening to our needs and focusing on the desired outcomes from the process. We really felt we had input to and ownership of the programme prior to delivery. Even during the learning, wherever required GA was flexible and responsive and adapted our training in real time.

    Our people really connected with their training consultant and the style and pace of delivery was just right throughout. Any initial skepticism that may have existed prior to the programme was well and truly gone very early on, and our consultant’s personable approach and knowledge meant everyone was engaged at all times.

    Following the success of the learning in one area of our business we have now taken the decision to roll this out across the group and we are looking forward to working with GA again. We would strongly recommend GA Training as a provider to any organisation looking to develop the commercial and contractual awareness of its key personnel. Our expectations were met and indeed exceeded and you won’t be disappointed.

    TP Group Plc

  • The training delivered by GA Training was focused on one of our key contracts throughout and delegates were therefore easily able to transfer and apply the learning back to our own commercial environment.

    The GA consultant delivering the training was approachable, highly knowledgeable and had a style that our delegates instantly warmed to. Throughout the training our consultant was able to relate key modules back to our business, this helped to maintain the interest of our delegates at all times and to very much bring the subject to life.

    We would definitely recommend GA Training to any organisation looking to improve the commercial acumen of its staff. The training itself was first-class and the pre and post course support and customer service we received from GA Training was excellent.

    Knowsley SK

  • BioKinetic Europe was looking to improve the contractual awareness of its senior personnel within the business and contacted GA Training to see what they could provide. From our initial enquiry onwards we felt confident that we had found the right training provider to develop the contractual awareness of our staff. The level of customer service we received from GA Training was exemplary and we were reassured throughout the process.

    The training itself was highly focused and tailored to the needs of our business at all times. The training consultant was warm and engaging and delivered the learning in a very effective way, ensuring that we could relate the learning back to our own roles.

    GA Training took the time prior to the course to review relevant contracts and made sure these were used during the training to cement the learning.

    Overall we were very pleased with our decision to use GA Training and we would have no hesitation in using GA again, or indeed recommending them as a provider of high-quality training, backed up by great customer support.

    BioKinetic Europe Limited

  • We found GA Training after a Google search and were very impressed with the way our enquiry was handled from the outset. The training itself was excellent and delivered exactly what GA promised it would.

    I would recommend GA to anyone looking to develop their understanding of NEC3, first-class training and support.

    Ainscough Vanguard

  • Great feedback from both groups and well deserved. I thought it was fascinating and everyone in my group clearly enjoyed it. I’m sure we’ll have further requests for the course going forward.

    Many thanks for everything.

    Thea Gaunt, Head of Professional Development, Weil Gotshal & Manges

  • Our first exposure to GA Contract and Commercial’s training courses was when one of our senior personnel attended the Business Contract Law course in London. We were very impressed by the training course and felt that it would be highly relevant to our business.

    We therefore decided to roll out a programme of training for the organisation in this area and run a tailored version of the training for our key people.

    The programme of training was very effective and the training consultant was really able to connect with our delegates throughout. The consultant took what could be a potentially dry subject and made it interesting, using relevant examples during the learning. Our consultant was warm and approachable and had a very good style of delivery.

    The support team at GA Training really looked after us too, from our initial booking onto their open course through to the conclusion of this programme of training we were given great customer service.

    We would definitely use GA again and would recommend them to others too.

    Optimum Group Services

  • Zenith International was looking to further its understanding and knowledge of the NEC3 Professional Services Contract and the NEC3 Engineering and Construction Contract. We contacted GA Training to investigate what they might be able to provide to support us in this area.

    From the outset GA took the time to fully understand our requirement and then produced a bespoke programme to meet our stated outcomes.

    The training was professionally delivered and tailored so that it was relevant to our business at all times. The training consultant was very knowledgeable and engaging and also explained everything in a clear way that highlighted areas we need to improve our focus on.

    The support and customer care we received from GA from the word go was excellent and we felt reassured throughout the process that we had selected the right provider.

    I would have no hesitation in recommending GA Training. Their professionalism, attention to detail and training delivery was second-to-none.

    Gordon Robinson Director, Zenith International

  • Thoroughly enjoyable course. Various contract examples given were very useful. Excellent presentation, style and approach.

    Birgitta Allett The Open University

  • The trainer is a very engaging and knowledgeable speaker and puts over various points which were discussed very well and in easily understandable terms.

    I am very pleased that after attending the course I feel much more confident to assess and understand different forms of contracts and to look out for potential pitfalls.

    Andy Keeler Soiltechnics Limited

  • The course exceeded my expectations. The trainer was outstanding. I would like to attend further courses to add to the knowledge I’ve gained today. I would highly recommend the course.

    Leah-Ann Watt Deloitte LLP

  • The trainer really brought the legalities to life by telling us about real life cases which was fascinating and extremely interesting. I can’t wait to use what I have learnt back in the office.

    Paula Evans Aurora Fashions

  • The course was very enjoyable in both professionalism and content. I will highly recommend it to my colleagues.

    David Lumley Kidney Research

  • A fantastic and enriching two days which I feel will be of great benefit to me personally and to all the staff who attended from Barclays. Thank you.

    Lee Webb Barclays Plc

Get in Touch

Talk to a trainer

Do you need some reassurance before you book a course?

Why not talk direct to the training consultant who will be delivering the course, before making a booking?

If you would like to talk to a specialist training consultant to understand if a course is right for you or to get reassurance that we will tailor an in-company course to meet your exact requirements then let us know.

We will set everything up for a no-obligation diagnostic and needs analysis.

Contact

Get in touch

We would love to discuss your current training requirements in more detail. Call us, send an email or fill out the short form below.