Clerk of works: Difference between revisions

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TheA '''Clerkclerk of Worksworks''' (or '''Clerkclerk of the Worksworks'''), often abbreviated ('''CoW,''') is employed by an [[architect]] or a client on a [[construction site]]. The role is primarily to represent the interests of the client in regard to ensuring that the quality of both materials and workmanship are in accordance with the design information such as [[specification]] and [[engineering drawing]]s, in addition to recognized quality standards. The role is defined in [[standard forms of contract]] such as those published by the [[Joint Contracts Tribunal]]. "Clerks of works" are also the most highly qualified [[non-commissioned officer|non-commissioned]] tradesmen in the [[Royal Engineers]]. The qualification can be held in three specialisms: electrical, mechanical and construction.

Historically, the Clerkclerk of Worksworks was employed by the architect on behalf of a client, or by local authorities to oversee public works. The CoWclerks of works can also be employed by the client (state body/local authority/private client) to monitor design and build projects where the traditional role of the architect is within the design and build project team.

The job title is believed to derive from the 13th century when monks and priests (i.e. "clerics" or "clerks") were accepted as being more literate than the builders of the age and took on the responsibility of supervising the works associated with the erection of churches and other religious property.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.icwgb.org/page_viewer.asp?page=History+of+ICWCI&pid=27 |title=History of ICWCI |publisher=Institute of Clerks of Work |access-date= |accessdate=5 August 2011}}</ref> As craftsmen and masons became more educated they in turn took on the role, but the title did not change. By the 19th century the role had expanded to cover the majority of building works, and the clerk of works was drawn from experienced tradesmen who had wide knowledge and understanding of the building process.

Clerks of Worksworks are either on site all the time or make regular visits. They must be vigilant in their inspections of a large range of technical aspects of the work. This involves:

The Instituteinstitute was founded in 1882 as the Clerk of Works Association, becoming the Incorporated Clerk of Works Association of Great Britain in 1903. In 1947, its name was amended again to the Institute of Clerks of Works of Great Britain Incorporated, a title it retained until 2009 when it was expanded to the Institute of Clerks of Works and Construction Inspectorate of Great Britain Incorporated.

The organisation was originally founded to allow those who were required to operate in isolation on site, a central organisation to look after the interests of their chosen profession, be it through association with other professional bodies, educational means or simply through social intercourse amongstamong their own peers and contemporaries. Essential to this, as the Institute developed, was the development of a central body that could lobby Parliament in relation to their profession, and the quality issues that it stands for.

Though the means of construction, training of individuals, and the way individuals are employed have changed dramatically over the years, the principles the Institute originally formed for remain sacrosanct. Experience in the many facets of the building trade is essential and, in general terms, most practitioners have ''come from the tools'', though further third -level education in the built environment is essential.

The Institute of Clerks of Works and Construction Inspectorate hold the biannual Building on Quality Awards, and nominations are accepted from all involved in quality site inspection regardless of whether they are members of the Instituteinstitute. Judging is based on the Clerk of Works' ability, his/her contribution to the projects he/she is involved with, his/her record keeping and reports, and his/her commitment to the role of Clerk of Works.

Awards given in each category are Overall Winner, Highly Commended and Commended. The Overall Winner is chosen from all categories and is widely considered the highest accolade that can be awarded to a clerk of works in recognition of his work. Newly introduced in 2013 was the Peter Wilson Memorial trophy, which has now had two deserving recipients. The trophy was donated by the Cumbria and North Lancashire Chapter to the ICWCI in memoriam of Vice President Peter Wilson FICWCI.

*Overall Winner - Trevor King MICWCI (Boldrewood Campus, University of Southampton)

*Peter Wilson Memorial Award - Anthony Smith FICWCI (Taff Bargoed Park and Lakes, Merthyr Tydfil)

* Overall Winner - Brian Duncan MICWCI ([[Hanover Lodge]] Outer Circle, RegentsRegent's Park, London)

*[[Quality Assuranceassurance]]