Original CDMlogic guide · updated 10 October 2026 · Great Britain CDM / England Building Regulations where stated
Make the role and project clear.
HSE describes the CDM Principal Designer as the designer appointed to control the pre-construction phase of a project involving more than one contractor. The role includes coordination of health and safety, information and communication. Review the actual project arrangements before preparing an appointment.
Use HSE’s Principal Designer guidance and the CDM 2015 appointment provisions when assessing the applicable route. Domestic client arrangements need separate consideration.
A practical appointment evidence checklist.
- Identify the project, client and person or organisation taking the role.
- Specify the statutory regime, role, scope and duration being agreed.
- Record the capability and competence information considered for that project.
- Retain the reviewed appointment document and relevant agreement evidence.
- Record actual issue: recipient, date, method and supporting file or communication.
- Keep acknowledgement and any later change or end of appointment traceable.
Draft, issue and acknowledgement are different records.
A saved draft shows what was prepared. An issue record shows the event that actually happened. An acknowledgement records the response. Keep each stage clear so a later reviewer can understand the appointment history.
For example, in a fictional refurbishment, the team saves a reviewed draft, sends the agreed document and attaches a PDF or screenshot of the relevant communication. It records acknowledgement when received, retaining the supporting evidence rather than treating preparation as completion.
Review changes as the project develops.
If the scope, programme or team changes, revisit the arrangements and relevant evidence. Keep outstanding information or handover actions visible alongside the appointment record.
Read our guide to the two Principal Designer roles to distinguish CDM from England’s Building Regulations duties. A document describing one role should not be assumed to appoint the other.
How CDMlogic supports the record.
The pilot separates prepared documents from actual issue records and linked evidence. Explore Principal Designer software and the sample workflow to see where the records fit. Appointment validity and project suitability require appropriate review.
Continue your project review
- Health & Safety File contents and handover guide
- Worked design risk register example
- CDM software for architects
- CDM Principal Designer software
- Pre-construction information checklist
- Design risk register guide
- CDM and Building Regulations Principal Designer roles
- CDM workflow for architectural practices
General workflow information, not a project-specific determination. Check current official guidance and obtain appropriate professional advice for your project.
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