Employer's agent: design and build

Published October 2017
Effective from 1 January 2018
Reissued September 2024

Employer’s agent: design and build is intended for use in conjunction with the JCT Design and Build Contract where an agent will be appointed by the employer to represent them. This practice information considers the role and responsibilities of the employer’s agent and other non-core pre-contract activities.

This practice information includes:
- definition of employer’s agent
- commencement of the role
- competence, technical ability and experience and
- appointment documents/service agreement.

This is part of RICS' Black Book, which is a collection of technical practice documents that covers all processes throughout the construction project life cycle. The documents are essential development tools for junior professionals working through their APC and useful guides to best practice for more experienced professionals.

A project is currently underway to review and update the Black Book content with the aim of producing a comprehensive new edition. Expected to publish in 2025, the new Black Book will comprise an overarching global professional standard, accompanied by practical guidance material.

This document was reissued in September 2024 as practice information. It had previously been published in October 2017 as a guidance note. No material changes have been made to the document.