November 14, 2022

What is the Joint Contracts Tribunal (JCT)?

The JCT produces standard forms of construction contracts and guidance notes for use by the construction industry.

What does the JCT do?

The JCT is a provider of contract documents which cover standard forms of main and sub-contract for the key procurement methods. It also provides guidance on documents, homeowner contracts, partnering documentation and agreements.

Who is involved in the JCT?

The JCT is composed of seven members. The members of the JCT represent sectors of the industry that are important in the contract process.

These members are:

  • British Property Federation
  • Build UK Group Limited
  • Contractors Legal Grp Limited
  • Local Government Association
  • Royal Institute of British Architects
  • Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors
  • Scottish Building Contract Committee Limited

Each of these members have a Director for the Company Board. The JCT Council contains 47 representatives from the company’s five colleges through whom contracts are produced and modified.

These five colleges are:

  • Employers, Clients and Local Authorities (British Property Federation, Local Government Association)
  • Consultants (Association for Project Management, Chartered Institution of Civil Engineering Surveyors, Royal Institute of British Architects, Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors)
  • Contractors (Contractors Legal Grp Limited)
  • Specialists and Sub-contractors (Build UK)
  • Scottish Building Industry (Scottish Building Contract Committee Limited)

Why is the JCT needed?

The JCT ensures shared consistency between contractors and is useful for supplying contracts between parties for construction work, usually within the private sector.

It aims to produce sets of standard forms for the various methods of procurement used for obtaining building work.

This includes consultant agreements, contracts between the employer and contractor and forms of contract for the supply of goods.

The JCT is important in the construction process given how frequently complications arise during the building procedure.

This can include a range of issues, such as challenges posed by the weather which may mean work becomes delayed.

The JCT ensure shared responsibilities and proportionate risks between the parties involved in construction.

For advice on all aspects of construction law, contact us today.