A CDM coordinator (formally the Principal Designer under CDM Regulations 2015) is a health and safety professional who coordinates pre-construction health and safety on projects involving more than one contractor. The Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 2015 replaced the CDM Coordinator role with the Principal Designer - a designer with influence over the pre-construction phase who is responsible for health and safety coordination, design risk management, and preparing the pre-construction information pack. On larger or more complex projects, a specialist CDM consultant with APS (Association for Project Safety) accreditation may be appointed to support the Principal Designer role.
What they do
- Coordinate health and safety during the pre-construction phase
- Identify, eliminate and reduce design-stage hazards
- Collect and prepare the pre-construction information pack
- Maintain the design risk register
- Liaise with the Principal Contractor on site safety planning
- Compile the Health and Safety File on project completion
- Submit the F10 notification to the HSE for notifiable projects
- Advise the client on their CDM duties
When you need one
CDM 2015 applies to all construction projects in Great Britain. A Principal Designer must be appointed whenever there is more than one contractor involved in the project.
Typical costs (UK, 2025)
| Service | Typical cost |
|---|---|
| CDM coordination - small project | £800 - £2,000 |
| CDM coordination - medium project | £2,000 - £5,000 |
| CDM coordination - large project | £5,000 - £15,000+ |
| Pre-construction information pack | £400 - £900 |
| Health and Safety file compilation | £300 - £700 |
| Hourly rate | £70 - £130 / hr |
On projects where the architect acts as Principal Designer, CDM costs may be included in the architectural fee. Standalone CDM consultant appointments are common on larger or more complex projects.
Qualifications to look for
The primary professional body for CDM specialists and Principal Designers in the UK. APS membership demonstrates competence in health and safety coordination for construction projects. Check membership at aps.org.uk.
A widely recognised health and safety qualification for those working in the construction sector. Many CDM consultants hold this alongside their primary professional qualification (MCIOB, MCIAT, MRICS or similar).
Architects, engineers and surveyors frequently act as Principal Designer on projects in their area of professional practice. The key requirement is design influence over the pre-construction phase, not a specific CDM qualification.
How to find a reputable CDM coordinator
Frequently asked questions
Is a CDM coordinator the same as a Principal Designer?
Under CDM 2015 the old CDM Coordinator role was replaced by the Principal Designer. The terminology changed but the core function of coordinating pre-construction health and safety remains similar. The Principal Designer must be a designer with influence over the pre-construction phase - they cannot simply be a health and safety consultant without design involvement. Many CDM specialists fulfil the Principal Designer role alongside an advisory function.
Who can act as Principal Designer?
Any designer with influence over the pre-construction phase can be appointed as Principal Designer - typically the lead designer (architect or structural engineer) on smaller projects. Larger or complex projects may need a specialist CDM consultant with APS accreditation who can focus on health and safety coordination while the lead designer focuses on the design. The client must formally appoint the Principal Designer in writing before the pre-construction phase begins.
What is the F10 notification?
The HSE must be notified of notifiable construction projects using an online F10 form before the pre-construction phase begins. A project is notifiable if it will last more than 30 working days with more than 20 workers simultaneously, or exceed 500 person-days. The notification is the client's responsibility but is typically submitted by the Principal Designer or Principal Contractor on behalf of the client.