Glossary
Principal contractor
A principal contractor manages the construction phase for health and safety (CDM) and, where Building Regulations dutyholder rules apply, coordinates building-work compliance on site. Domestic clients should appoint one in writing when more than one contractor is involved.
If you do not appoint, you may be treated as taking the role yourself.
CDM 2015 covers Great Britain; Northern Ireland has its own CDM regulations. Building Regulations dutyholder rules are England-specific in their current form.
Official source: CDM 2015 domestic clients (HSE). Checked 27 October 2026.