Mastering The NEC Form of Contract - 6 Essential Modules

Introduction

Are you confident in your understanding of NEC contracts, or could hidden pitfalls be waiting to trip you up?

For over 30 years, the NEC standard form of contracts has shaped the way industry delivers projects but can still contain surprises for the unwary or unfamiliar user.

Its flexible ‘pick and mix’ style allows it to be used across the full range of projects from the small everyday ones to the biggest, most complex ones. And, with increasing numbers of sizeable and/or extended framework contracts coming to an end, users should be ready to use NEC4 for all new contracts going forwards.

This webinar series provides solid introduction to the NEC4 contract mechanisms and processes, reflects on the latest market practice, and examples key cases of where NEC contracts have been tested, and where attention should be paid pre-contract (some, not all listed below). The webinars will later explore key management processes for delivery phase, and what happens at the end, and problem-solving. In total, you will learn all the key points about preparing and using NEC4 contracts and be ready to apply them into any new projects.

This series is ideal for anyone starting out with NEC contracts or wanting a thorough refresher. It is suitable for professionals in procurement, contract management, contract administration, project management, technical supervision or engineering, costs management, site management, risk management and law.

What You Will Learn

This webinar series will cover the following:

Module 1: Introducing NEC

• What is the NEC’s philosophy, structure and what’s in the ‘family’ of contracts? Costain v Tarmac
• How NEC aligns to contracts requiring certainty over time, cost and quality: Van Oord v Dragados
• The role of the Project Manager and the Supervisor: Sutcliffe v Thakrah 1974 HL

Module 2: Delivery & Risk

• How NEC manages risk during delivery phase: RWE Npower v Bentley
• Foresight: how to use the early warnings process
• Change control: compensation events and the process to extra time and money: ICI v Merit Merrell

Module 3: Cost Management

• Payment mechanism vs. payment procedure: the differences
• Compare and contrast the Main Options (payment mechanism)
• How to apply for, and assess (certify), money ‘due’: Universal Piling v VG Clements

Module 4: Quality Management

• The importance of the Scope and what to include in it
• The option to include design, and professional indemnity liability
• How NEC manages quality assurance and quality control
• Procedure for completion and how to address and rectify defects

Module 5: Time Management

• Why is time central to NEC? How does time hold the NEC contract together?
• The concept of the accepted programme, and what each party should do
• Managing and measuring progress; tools, techniques and technology

Module 6: Dispute Avoidance & Resolution

• How NEC disputes arise: warning signs and what to do about them
• Dispute avoidance techniques and using NEC’s contract tools to support early closure
• Formal options for determination and resolution of NEC disputes: Transport for Greater Manchester v Kier Construction; Fraserburgh Harbour v McLaughlin & Harvey

This pre-recorded webinar will be available to view from Wednesday 23rd September 2026

Alternatively, you can gain access to this webinar and 2,300+ others via the MBL Webinar Subscription. Please email webinarsubscription@mblseminars.com for more details.