Employer’s Agent
Independent representation and oversight from project inception through to handover, defect resolution and final account closure
Helping clients manage risk, maintain control and achieve successful project outcomes.
We support housing associations, local authorities, schools, trusts, commercial clients and developers across new build, refurbishment and regeneration projects. Acting as Employer’s Agent, we provide independent oversight of cost, quality, risk, programme and design, helping clients maintain control, manage complexity and achieve successful project outcomes.
With extensive experience delivering Design & Build developments across residential, education and commercial sectors, we work closely with clients, contractors, design teams and stakeholders to protect quality, maintain progress and support informed decision-making throughout delivery. .
What we deliver
- Viability assessments and project validation
- Due diligence and gap analysis
- Planning, building control, statutory and regulatory support
- Design team and stakeholder management
- Procurement and tender management
- Contract administration (JCT Design & Build contracts, Section 106 Agreements, and Development Agreements)
- Cost, programme and risk monitoring
- Completion, handover and soft landings support
- Rectification and defects period management
- Final account close-out
Experienced client-side leadership backed by robust governance, assurance and reporting
FFT provides clear client-side leadership supported by strong governance, assurance and reporting processes. We focus on early identification of risk, robust contract administration and effective information management, helping to resolve issues before they affect cost, quality or programme.
Working collaboratively with design teams, contractors and specialist advisors, we maintain transparency, accountability and momentum throughout delivery. Regulated by RICS and supported by ISO-certified management systems, we bring practical judgement, proportionate challenge and reliable reporting to every project.
Projects
Heather House
Maidstone Borough Council
FFT was appointed by Maidstone Borough Council to provide Principal Designer, Employer’s Agent, Quantity Surveying and Clerk of Works services for the demolition of existing structures and the design and construction of two new sites, bringing much-needed housing and a community centre.
FAQs
An Employer’s Agent represents the client during the design, pre-construction, construction and post-construction periods, administering the building contract and helping manage cost, quality, risk and compliance.
Ideally at RIBA Plan of Work Stages 0-1 or within the earliest pre‑contract stages, so procurement decisions, risk allocation and contract arrangements are set up clearly before work starts on site.
By appointing FFT as your Employers Agent early, we can add value to your project by identifying key factors in the project, steering the design to meet your aspirations, assisting with the identification of statutory duties and responsibilities, and utilising our experience and lessons learnt from previous projects.
Primarily, an Employers Agent will be appointed for Design & Build (or similar bespoke) projects. Employer’s Agents can be appointed at RIBA Stage 0-1 or at a later stage, but the early appointment will have the best and most significant contribution to the project.
FFT operates under ISO 9001, 14001 and 45001 systems, supported by in‑house Building Regulations Principal Designer (BRPD) and CDM Principal Designer (CDM PD) specialists. We maintain live risk registers, undertake early risk identification, prepare and collate the Pre‑Construction Information, review Construction Phase Plans, ensuring RAMS and safety documentation meet regulatory standards. Our Golden Thread approach maintains digital traceability of decisions, materials and inspections, monitored through monthly site reviews and compliance audits.
Our One Team delivery model means the same Employer’s Agent lead and core team remain with your project from inception to completion. With only 2.5% staff turnover, 92% local coverage and structured monthly resource reviews led by senior leadership, we ensure stable staffing and rapid support if project needs change. Our three‑office structure gives us the capacity and flexibility to resource projects, and all staff follow consistent QA systems to maintain seamless service.
FFT provides consistent monitoring through scheduled site inspections, monthly progress reviews, quality benchmarks within Project Execution / Management Plans, and senior sign‑off at each Gateway. Our in-house surveyors and inspectors assess workmanship, progress, compliance and documentation, while issues are captured in formal notices, risk and opportunities logs and corrective action plans. Lessons learned and non‑conformance logs feed into our central knowledge hubs to ensure continuous improvement.
Get in touch
If you’re planning a scheme and need clear client‑side oversight, we’re happy to discuss how we can support.