A Guide to the Clerk of Works Job Role

What does a Clerk of Works do?

A Clerk of Works, also known as a Site Inspector or Quality Technical Inspector, inspects the workmanship, quality, and safety of work on construction sites, making sure that building plans and specifications are being followed correctly.

Their role is vital to the successful completion of a project, as they represent clients’ best interests to achieve value for money, highest quality, and adherence to recognised quality/safety standards in accordance with the design information and drawings.

They must be vigilant in their inspections of a large range of technical aspects of the work. 

What are main duties and Responsibilities of Clerk of Works?

Fundamentally, Clerk of Works are responsible for inspecting construction work to ensure it meets standards and health and safety requirements.

The duties and responsibilities of a Building Quality Inspector or Clerk of Works will include, but not be limited to:

• Making visual inspections of the work
• Identifying defects and suggesting ways to correct them
• Monitoring progress and reporting to construction managers, architects, and clients
• Producing regular reports to keep detailed records of work
• Referring to plans and taking photographs of work, along with measurements and samples
• Liaising with other construction professionals, such contractors, engineers, and surveyors
  
  

What is a working environment like for a Clerk of Works?

Clerks of Works normally work 35 to 40 hours a week, Monday to Friday. Weekend and overtime working can be common, in situations where there are strict deadlines for completion of construction projects.

Clerks of Works spend most of time on site, as their job requires them to make regular site visits. It is not rare for Clerk of Works to spend time traveling to building sites, as well as being away from home short periods of time. So, a driving license for this role is typically required unless all projects are accessible via public transport.

Clerk of Works can be based in the site office or working remotely from home one day per week to write up the reports. Often Clerk of Works can work from home, and manage their own workload and diaries to fit site visits around their preferred schedule.

What skills and qualities should Clerk of Works have?

There are certain skills which may be of benefit to those considering a job as Clerk of Works:

• Good understanding of the building industry, including knowledge of materials, trades, methods and legal requirements
• Excellent attention to detail
• Good verbal and oral communication skills
• Ability to work under pressure and calm and professional manner
• Having an organised and methodical approach to work
• IT literacy is essential, with a high level of proficiency in MS Word and Outlook

How much could you earn as a Clerk of Works?

The salary rates vary, depending on experience, the employer, where the individual lives and the location of the job. The rate of pay and careers options will improve with additional years of experience and Institute of Clerk of Works and Construction Inspectorate ICWCI Chartered status.

According to goconstruct.org (2019) report:

• Newly trained or Assistant Clerk of Works can earn in the region of £25,000 - £30,000
• Trained with some experience Clerk of Works can earn in the region of £30,000 - £40,000
• Senior Clerk of works/ Site Inspector can earn in the region of £40,000 - £60,000
  
  

Who are the most common Clerk of Works employers?

In the past few years, there has been a great demand for Clerk of Works candidates and job applicants in the UK construction recruitment sector. Clerk of Works employers include:

• Local authorities
• Construction Cost Consulting firms
• Architectural practices
• Government departments
• Construction companies

If you are interested in a career as a Clerk of Works in the construction sector, you can review and apply to our latest Clerk of Works vacancies.

Daria Tkach
Senior Recruitment Consultant
Maxim Recruitment
LinkedIn

Daria is a Senior Recruitment Consultant with day-to-day responsibility for researching, shortlisting, contacting, and interviewing premium construction industry candidates. Daria works with our UK team to help construction industry jobseekers into exciting new construction jobs with our market leading employer clients. Daria also covers the Canadian market as part of her international recruitment responsibilities. Her focus is on Toronto, Vancouver, Ottawa and other major cities in Canada.