Does CDM 2015 Apply to Your Business?

The Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 2015 (CDM 2015) apply to almost all construction work in the UK — yet many businesses still misunderstand when and how the regulations apply, particularly on smaller or domestic projects.

This simple self-assessment is designed to help contractors, designers, and clients quickly understand whether CDM duties apply to their work, and where further clarification or training may be required.

Does CDM 2015 Apply to Your Business?

The Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 2015 (CDM 2015) apply to almost all construction work in the UK — yet many businesses still misunderstand when and how the regulations apply, particularly on smaller or domestic projects.

This simple self-assessment is designed to help contractors, designers, and clients quickly understand whether CDM duties apply to their work, and where further clarification or training may be required.

A Simple CDM Self-Assessment Check

Answer the questions below as honestly as possible. If you answer Yes or Not sure to any question, CDM duties are likely to apply to your business in some form.

1. Do you carry out any construction work that is subject to the Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 2015 (CDM)?

This includes all construction work, such as new build, refurbishment, maintenance, repair, alteration, fit-out, demolition, or extensions — regardless of project size, duration, or whether the work is domestic or commercial.

☐ Yes
☐ No
☐ Not sure

If you answered Yes or Not sure, CDM duties apply to your business in some form.

CDM applies to almost all construction work. The key difference is which duties apply and who holds them, not whether CDM applies at all.

2. Do you instruct, appoint, or manage how construction work is carried out?

You may be acting as a duty-holder if you:

• appoint contractors or designers
• influence methods, sequencing, or programme
• control budgets, timescales, or resources

Even without the job title, control equals responsibility under CDM.

3. Do you design, specify, or alter anything that affects construction work?

Under CDM, design includes more than drawings.

This may include:

• specifications or scope documents
• materials, products, or systems selection
• changes to layouts, access, or methods
• value engineering or substitutions

If your decisions influence how work is built, you may be a Designer under CDM.

4. Are you responsible for planning or coordinating work?

You may have CDM duties if you:

• plan construction activities
• coordinate contractors or trades
• manage interfaces between packages
• oversee site safety arrangements

This often places organisations in Principal Contractor or Contractor roles.

5. Would you know what CDM information you are required to produce or retain?

Ask yourself:

• Do we know what a Construction Phase Plan is?
• Do we understand our role in the Health & Safety File?
• Could we evidence compliance if inspected or audited?

Uncertainty here usually signals a duty-holder role with a knowledge gap.

What Your Answers Mean

• Mostly “No” → CDM may have limited application to your current work, but awareness is still required.
• A mix of “Yes” and “Not sure” → You are likely acting as a CDM duty-holder without fully understanding your responsibilities.
• Mostly “Yes” → You clearly hold CDM duties and should ensure they are understood and managed correctly.

Why CDM Matters for the Building Safety Act

CDM is often the starting point for understanding responsibilities under the Building Safety Act.

If you already have duties as a:

• Client
• Designer or Principal Designer
• Contractor or Principal Contractor

then the Building Safety Act builds on those same roles, increasing accountability, competence requirements, and expectations around information management — particularly where fire or structural safety is involved.

Understanding CDM duties is therefore a critical foundation for understanding Building Safety Act responsibilities.

When Should You Consider CDM Training or Support?

You should consider formal CDM training or guidance if:

• your projects involve more than one contractor
• you appoint, manage, or influence construction work
• you design, specify, or alter construction elements
• you would struggle to explain your CDM duties with confidence

What to Read Next

Is the Building Safety Act Relevant to Your Projects? – Self-Assessment Check

This next step helps you understand how existing CDM duty-holder roles can trigger additional responsibilities under the Building Safety Act.

Need Help Sense-Checking Your CDM Role?

If you’re unsure where your responsibilities sit, we can help you:

• identify which CDM duty-holder roles apply to your business
• understand what is proportionate for your project size and scope
• avoid unnecessary burden while closing genuine compliance gaps

Get in touch to discuss CDM responsibilities and next steps for your business.