JCT and NEC Contracts for Architects

3.30pm – 4.30pm on Wednesday 18 November 2026 and Wednesday 25 November 2026

As an introduction to the JCT and NEC suite of contracts, RSUA has once again partnered with legal firm Eversheds Sutherland for two one-hour online CPD sessions. These sessions have been designed as one-hour overviews, with a view to provide a more in-depth contracts course in early 2027.

The sessions can be booked separately or as a two-course bundle.

JCT Contracts for Architects, 3.30pm on Wednesday 18 November 2026

JCT contracts are still the standard for private sector building work in Northern Ireland, and architects are often at the centre of them as contract administrator.

This one-hour CPD session covers the JCT forms you are most likely to meet (SBC, Intermediate, Minor Works and Design and Build) and what each one expects of you. We will look at certificates, instructions and extensions of time, how risk and liability are shared, and the common pitfalls that lead to disputes. The session is delivered by a construction lawyer, and you will leave with practical tips you can use on your next project. It is aimed at architects who want to certify, instruct and manage with confidence.

NEC Contracts for Architects, 3.30pm on Wednesday 25 November 2026

NEC contracts are common on public sector and infrastructure work, and their strict notice deadlines can cost time and money if they are missed.

This one-hour CPD session explains how the NEC4 suite is structured and the collaborative thinking behind it. It covers the separate roles of Project Manager, Supervisor and designer, and how early warnings and compensation events work in practice. We will also look at the programme-led approach and how NEC differs from the JCT habits many architects are used to. The session is presented by a construction lawyer in plain, practical terms, and is a good place to start if you have taken on, or expect to take on, an NEC role.

Speaker Bio

Lisa Boyd is a Partner and Head of the Construction and Procurement legal team in Belfast, advising clients across Northern Ireland, Ireland and England & Wales on both contentious and non-contentious construction matters. She specialises in construction contracts, public procurement, project delivery and dispute avoidance, acting for employers, contractors, consultants and developers across a wide range of sectors. Lisa regularly advises on JCT and NEC contracts, procurement strategy, contract administration and risk management, and delivers practical, commercially-focused training for clients and industry professionals. Recognised for her approachable style and real-world experience, she brings a lawyer’s perspective to the day-to-day issues architects encounter on live projects, helping them navigate contracts with confidence and avoid common pitfalls.