As we move through 2025, I’m proud to share some of the incredible progress we’ve made at The Safety Department — particularly in our partnerships with engineering and project planning firms. Two standout collaborators this year have been ESA Engineering and HI Group, both of whom have trusted us to support their clients with expert guidance on CDM regulations and Principal Designer responsibilities.
These organisations bring a strong pipeline of UK-based projects and a clear commitment to quality. However, like many in their space, they’ve recognised a gap in their in-house understanding of building regulations and CDM compliance. That’s where we come in — not just as a service provider, but as a trusted partner.
What’s become increasingly clear is how many consultancies and project management organisations are offering so-called “turnkey” solutions, while lacking the competence or credentials to properly fulfil their CDM and Principal Designer duties. This creates unnecessary risk — for them and their clients.
At The Safety Department, we offer two flexible engagement models:
- Preferred Supplier Model (principal Designer) – We’re introduced directly to the client, allowing us to work transparently and efficiently. This is our preferred route, as it ensures better communication, faster access to project information, and a smoother payment process.
- Competence Support Model (Principal Design Advisor) – We operate behind the scenes, bolstering the consultancy’s credentials while they retain the PD . We provide a clear scope of service and assist in all aspects of the role.
Ultimately, our goal is to remove the risk and complexity from CDM compliance — whether that’s through direct client engagement or by enhancing the capabilities of our partners.
If you’re a consultancy or project management firm looking to strengthen your offering, we’d love to talk. Let us help you deliver safer, more compliant projects — without the guesswork.
–Laurence Davis – The Safety Department
