Click here for course presentation

A few words from our tutor on what you can expect from this course

Course Description

A practical guide for non-technical public sector staff

This course is designed for public sector staff who act as the Client on construction projects but do not come from a construction or technical background.

If your role involves oversight, approvals, decision-making or liaising with consultants and contractors, this course will help you understand what is happening on your project, what questions to ask and when, and how to fulfil your responsibilities with confidence.

This course focuses on the client-side role, giving non-technical staff a clear, practical understanding of how projects progress, what decisions matter most and how to provide effective oversight.

Course Content

Your role as the Client

What you are responsible for, what you remain accountable for, and how to add value without technical expertise.

Defining the right project early

Turning organisational needs into a clear brief and avoiding common public-sector mistakes.

Understanding design decisions

Knowing what to expect at each design stage and spotting warning signs early.

Cost, value and risk

Understanding budgets, change, delays and risk in plain English.

Procurement and construction

What happens during tendering and on site, and what the client should and should not do.

Completion and handover

What “finished” really means, what documents matter, and where clients often get caught out.

Full detailed programme available on request

‍

Who Should Attend

This course focuses on the client-side role and explains, in plain English, how building projects progress from initial brief through to completion and handover. It is designed specifically for public sector staff who are responsible for decisions, approvals and governance, rather than technical delivery.

Certification

On completion of this one-day training course, you will receive your Certificate of Attendance. Please note certificates are issued at the close of the training course to participants on completion of the course.

This course may qualify for CPD points. Please check directly with your association or awarding body to see how many points they will award.

Cost

An ‘Early Bird’ discounted rate of €499 is currently available. This training course normal rate is €599. Places are limited and are allocated on a first come first served basis. PLEASE NOTE THE EARLY BIRD RATE CLOSES 3 WEEKS PRIOR TO COURSE DATE. The course cost includes all course documentation and Certificate of Attendance.

Commonly Asked Questions

What does “acting as the Client” mean on a public sector construction project?

In construction, the Client is the organisation or individual responsible for defining the project, making key decisions and providing oversight, even when consultants and contractors are appointed. In the public sector, this role is often carried out by non-technical staff with governance or administrative responsibility.

Is this course suitable if I have no construction background?

Yes. The course is designed specifically for non-technical public sector staff. It explains construction processes, roles and risks in plain English and focuses on what the Client needs to understand, not technical design or site work.

What responsibilities does a public sector Client have on a building project?

Public sector Clients are responsible for setting the brief, approving key decisions, overseeing consultants and contractors, and ensuring governance, value for money and compliance. Even when work is delegated, accountability often remains with the Client organisation.

Why are early decisions so important on construction projects?

Decisions made during briefing, design and procurement stages have a major impact on cost, programme and outcomes. Many of the most expensive problems arise before construction starts, often due to unclear briefs, delayed decisions or insufficient oversight.

Will this course help me know what questions to ask consultants and contractors?

Yes. A key focus of the course is helping Clients understand what questions to ask at each stage of a project, when to challenge advice and when to seek clarification, without needing technical expertise.

Does the course cover the full lifecycle of a building project?

Yes. The course covers the Client’s role from initial concept and briefing through design, procurement, construction, completion and handover, with a strong emphasis on practical oversight and risk awareness.