A pre construction notification records essential project details required under the Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 2015 (CDM 2015).
A well-prepared and managed pre construction notification helps ensure project information is clear, consistent, and aligned from the outset. This supports effective planning, coordination between duty holders, and ongoing compliance as the project progresses.
This guide explains how to manage a pre construction notification, from preparation and submission through to updates and integration into project processes.
What is an F10 notification and when is it required?
An F10 notification is the form used to submit a pre construction notification to the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) before construction work begins on projects that meet the thresholds set out in the Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 2015 (CDM 2015).
CDM thresholds relate to the project’s duration and workforce size and determine whether the project must be formally notified to the HSE.
To find out whether your project needs an F10 notification, please read our article, What is an F10 notification and when is it required?
How to start the F10 notification process
Once you have established that your project meets the F10 notification requirement, the next step is to ensure the notification is properly prepared, submitted, and managed in line with CDM 2015. This involves:
- Assigning clear responsibility
A single duty holder should be formally identified to take ownership of the F10 submission and ongoing management, ensuring accountability and avoiding duplication or oversight. - Preparing accurate and consistent project information
Key details, including project scope, timelines, and duty holder information, should be verified in advance to ensure consistency across all project documentation. - Submitting the F10 notification to the HSE on time
The F10 notification should be completed using the HSE’s online system with all required information, ensuring it is submitted before construction work begins. - Putting arrangements in place to manage and update the notification
Processes should be established to review and update the F10 notice where there are changes to project duration, scope, or duty holders. - Ensuring the F10 notification is accessible and properly communicated
The notification must be clearly displayed on site and made available to relevant stakeholders, ensuring transparency and supporting compliance.
The following sections explore each of these steps in more detail, explaining how to manage the pre construction notification effectively throughout the project lifecycle.
Assigning clear responsibility
Under CDM 2015, Regulation 6, the client is responsible for ensuring the F10 form is submitted.
The client will usually appoint another duty holder (normally the Principal Designer during the pre-construction phase, or the Principal Contractor once appointed) to complete and manage the F10 notification on their behalf. While this task can be delegated, the client remains legally responsible for ensuring it is completed correctly and on time.
Confirm responsibility clearly and in writing
The client should formally appoint a duty holder to complete the HSE F10 notification. This responsibility should be set out in appointment documents, scopes of work, or project plans, so there is no ambiguity over who is responsible for submission.
Define the scope of responsibility
The appointed duty holder should be responsible for submitting the F10 form and gathering accurate project information, liaising with the client and other duty holders, and ensuring the notification reflects the current project arrangements.
Introduce a simple review or sign-off process
Before submission, key details (such as duty holders, project dates, and scope) should be reviewed by the client or relevant stakeholders. This helps ensure the F10 is accurate and aligned with other project documentation.
Maintain oversight throughout the project
The same individual or role should retain responsibility for monitoring and updating the F10 notification as the project progresses, particularly where there are changes to duty holders, timelines, or scope.
Preparing accurate and consistent project information
Preparing key information in advance of completing the F10 notification helps to make sure the process is efficient, accurate, and aligned with the project from the outset.
Before accessing the HSE notification system, the following areas should be addressed:
- Project scope is clearly defined and agreed
The nature of the work should be confirmed, including whether it involves new build, refurbishment, demolition, or a combination of activities. Any higher-risk elements (such as work at height, structural alterations, or hazardous materials) should be identified.
- Project timelines are realistic and aligned
Start dates, expected duration, and key phases of work should be agreed across all stakeholders. Avoid using provisional or unconfirmed dates, as these often lead to early updates to the F10 notification.
- Workforce estimates are considered and agreed
The expected number of workers on site, including peak workforce levels, should be discussed and aligned with the project plan.
- Information is consistent across all documentation
Details included in the F10 notice should match those in the construction phase plan, risk assessments, and internal project records. Inconsistencies between documents can create confusion and may raise concerns during inspections.
Submitting the F10 notification to the HSE on time
Submitting an F10 form is straightforward through the HSE’s online system, but it should be completed at the appropriate point in the project timeline.
Under CDM 2015, the F10 notification must be submitted before construction work begins. There is no minimum notice period specified, but the notification should be completed early enough to reflect accurate project information and support effective planning.
Putting arrangements in place to manage and update the notification
The F10 notification should be actively managed after submission to make sure it continues to reflect the live project. This means putting arrangements in place to maintain accuracy as the project progresses:
- Ensure there is continuity in who manages the F10
The duty holder responsible for the F10 notification should remain involved after submission, or formally hand over responsibility if roles change. This ensures continuity and avoids loss of information. - Build pre construction notification checks into existing project processes
Rather than treating the F10 notification separately, include it in routine project activities such as progress meetings, programme reviews, or compliance checks. This makes it easier to identify when updates may be required. - Update the notification when project details change
Changes to duty holders, timelines, or scope should trigger a review of the F10 notification. Keeping it aligned with the live project helps maintain compliance and avoids discrepancies. - Make sure relevant stakeholders are aware of updates
When changes are made to the notification, these should be communicated to the client and relevant duty holders, so everyone is working from the same information.
Communicating the pre construction notification
Once submitted, the F10 notification should be clearly accessible to those involved in the project and communicated effectively to support transparency and compliance.
Under CDM 2015, Regulation 6, the client must display the notification in a readable form in a conspicuous place on site. This means placing the F10 where it can be easily seen by workers and visitors, such as in the site office, welfare area, or main access point, and keeping the displayed version aligned with current project details.
The notification should be accessible to duty holders and site management teams, for example through shared systems, and easy to locate during inspections. Maintaining a physical and digital copy helps keep it available and up to date.
Updating an F10 notification after submission
A pre construction notification is not a static document. It must be updated if there are significant changes to the project.
Updates may be required if:
- Project duration changes
- Workforce numbers increase or decrease significantly
- Duty holders are replaced or added
- The scope of work changes
Updates are made through the HSE’s online system, using the reference number provided when the F10 form was originally submitted.
Integrating the F10 notification into project management
The F10 notification should be integrated into wider project management processes, ensuring consistency across planning, documentation, and delivery.
Under CDM 2015, the F10 notificationforms part of the framework for managing health and safety, alongside duties relating to planning, coordination, and risk management.
The F10 should align with:
- The Construction Phase Plan (Regulation 12)
Details in the F10, such as project description, key dates, and duty holders, should be consistent with how health and safety will be managed on site. - Risk assessments and method statements (Regulation 13)
Where these identify significant risks or changes to how work is carried out, the F10 should be reviewed to remain accurate. - Duty holder coordination and communication (Regulation 11)
The F10 supports coordination by clearly identifying roles and project details and can be used as a reference point during project meetings. - Project planning and mobilisation processes
The F10 should form part of pre-start checks and mobilisation planning to confirm it is submitted, displayed, and aligned with key documentation.
How pre construction notifications support safer projects
Submitting an F10 notification requires the client and duty holders to confirm key project details at the pre-construction stage, including who is responsible for managing health and safety, the project duration, and the expected workforce size.
Defining these details early provides a clear framework for how the project will be planned and managed. Clearly identifying duty holders helps establish roles and responsibilities from the outset, helping project teams to coordinate activities, maintain oversight, and manage communication effectively.
Setting out the project scope on the F10 form also supports realistic planning. When timescales and resources reflect the nature of the work, it becomes easier to put appropriate control measures in place from the start and maintain them throughout the project.
Managing projects in line with CDM requirements
Managing a pre construction notification effectively requires a clear understanding of CDM 2015 and duty holder responsibilities.
Our IOSH-approved CDM training provides practical guidance on applying the regulations, including managing F10 notifications, coordinating duty holders, and ensuring compliance throughout a project.
Available as online, SCORM, in-person or virtual training, the course supports consistent, compliant project delivery across your organisation.
Find out more about CDM training on our website, or speak to our team to discuss the best option for your organisation: 0203 011 4242 / [email protected]
Adam Clarke
Managing Director (Consulting)
