Different roles require different responsibilities
Before accepting an instruction, HCS identifies whether it is being asked to advise independently or to perform the works, explains the distinction and declines or restructures appointments where independence could reasonably be questioned.
A conflict check is not resolved merely by disclosure. Some combinations of role are not accepted at all. The practice holds contract administration, employer’s agent and clerk of works disciplines on its own bench; where a red line below applies, HCS declines the role as a policy choice, not for lack of capability. The rules below are HCS firm-policy guardrails for appointment decisions; they do not replace the duties, professional standards or legal requirements that may apply to a particular matter.
The red lines we apply
These restrictions apply before any HCS professional or contractor appointment is accepted.
1. HCS does not administer or certify its own works
Where HCS is contractor, HCS will not act as contract administrator, employer's agent, clerk of works, independent certifier or expert witness for those works.
2. No HCS contractor tender in an HCS-controlled Section 20 procurement
Where HCS specifies, tenders or administers a major-works programme under a professional appointment, HCS will not also tender as contractor.
3. No contractor role where HCS acts for the adjoining owner
If HCS acts for an adjoining owner under the Party Wall etc. Act 1996, HCS will not act as the building owner's contractor for the relevant works.
4. No connected delivery interest from safety-critical or expert evidence
HCS will not tie fire-safety, EWS1, FRAEW, expert-witness or equivalent safety-critical conclusions to a group contractor works opportunity with Hampstead Renovations on the same matter.
5. Insurance claims roles are separated
HCS will not provide independent technical claims support or contract administration while also acting as contractor for the same reinstatement works.
6. Client choice is preserved
An HCS survey does not oblige the client to use HCS for works. The client may monitor, procure externally, invite HCS to quote where appropriate or seek quotations from any contractor.
7. Separate written appointments
Professional services and contractor works use separate scopes, terms, responsibilities, fees and records. A professional instruction does not automatically extend into a works contract.
8. Independent third-party appointment where needed
Where HCS is contractor and independent monitoring, certification or contract administration is required, the client must appoint a separate professional.
What clients should expect
Professional appointment
The scope identifies the professional role, deliverables, limitations, reliance, fees and relevant conflict position. Where HCS holds an independent contract role, the contractor must be independent of HCS.
Works appointment
The separate works contract defines the contractor scope, price basis, programme, responsibilities, exclusions and change procedure. It does not describe HCS as independently certifying its own delivery.
If you think a role conflict has not been handled properly
Raise the concern with a director through our contact page, by telephone on 020 7101 4590 or by email to enquiries@hampsteadcharteredsurveyors.co.uk. Explain the instruction, roles and decision that concern you so the appointment and conflict record can be reviewed.
The published complaints procedure remains available for concerns relating to professional services. The applicable route for a works-contract complaint depends on the separate works terms and must be confirmed in that appointment.