Navigating Best Practice from: RICS, RIBA, APM, CIBSE, CEng, IStructE, BCIS, JCT, NEC, FDIC, RCCP, BREEAM, LABC and GOV.UK.

The commercial management of construction projects in the United Kingdom is underpinned by a robust framework of professional guidance and statutory expectations. This page brings together key insights from the Association for Project Management (APM), Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS), Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA), and UK Government portals to support professionals in delivering projects that are commercially sound, contractually compliant, and strategically aligned.

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RICS (Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors):
The RICS Commercial Management of Construction guidance note and the New Rules of Measurement (NRM) provide a structured approach to cost planning, procurement, and contract administration. These standards define best practices for estimating, value engineering, supply chain management, and cost control throughout the project lifecycle.

The RICS publication Commercial Management of Construction, which defines the role of the commercial manager and outlines essential competencies such as cost planning, value engineering, procurement strategy, and supply chain management. It provides a structured approach to managing financial and contractual aspects throughout the project lifecycle.

 

RIBA (Royal Institute of British Architects):
The RIBA Plan of Work 2020 remains the definitive design and process management tool for UK construction. It organises projects into eight stages, detailing core tasks, information exchanges, and procurement strategies to align design and commercial objectives.  It offers a stage-by-stage framework for briefing, designing, constructing, and operating buildings. It aligns commercial decision-making with design intent and project delivery, ensuring that cost control and value optimisation are embedded from the outset.

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APM (Association of Project Managers):

The APM contributes a project management lens, emphasising governance, stakeholder engagement, and risk management. Their Body of Knowledge and qualification pathways reinforce the importance of integrating commercial awareness with broader project leadership.

 

UK Government – The Construction Playbook:
This policy framework sets out how public sector projects should be assessed, procured, and delivered. It promotes collaborative contracting, risk management, and sustainable practices to achieve better outcomes for clients and suppliers.

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Together, these resources provide a robust foundation for managing financial and contractual aspects of construction projects, supporting transparency, accountability, and long-term value.