In today’s global business landscape, effective Contract Management in London and across the UK has become a critical skill for professionals in procurement, legal, and commercial functions. The Certified Professional Contract Manager (CPCM) training equips participants with advanced knowledge in contract law UK, procurement contracts UK, and modern contract lifecycle management strategies.This blog explores the comprehensive areas covered in CPCM training, offering insights into both practical tools and statutory frameworks needed to succeed in high-stakes contracting environments.
Core Foundations of CPCM Training
Contract Law & Standards
Contract Law UK:
Rooted in the Contracts (Rights of Third Parties) Act 1999, Unfair Contract Terms Act 1977 (UCTA), and the Consumer Rights Act 2015, participants gain an understanding of enforceability, validity, and remedies.
Contract Drafting UK Standards:
Training covers how to draft compliant contracts referencing statutory law, such as:
Sample Clause (Force Majeure):
“Neither party shall be liable for any delay or failure in performance under this Agreement arising from events beyond its reasonable control, including but not limited to acts of God, war, or government regulation.”
Standard Form Contracts UK:
Guidance on using JCT Contract Forms, NEC Contracts, and FIDIC Contract Forms under UK practice.
Procurement & Supply Chain Focus
Procurement Contracts UK:
Managed under the Public Contracts Regulations 2015 (PCR 2015), which apply to public authorities and utilities.
Public Sector Procurement Regulations:
Key compliance areas include transparency, equal treatment, and value for money.
Supply Chain Management Contracts: Drafting obligations for subcontracting and sustainability compliance.
Sample Clause (Subcontracting Disclosure):
“The Supplier shall not subcontract any part of the Services without the prior written consent of the Contracting Authority, in line with Regulation 71 PCR 2015.”
Strategic Dimensions of Contract Management
Performance & Governance
Performance Management KPIs & SLAs: Embedding measurable obligations into contracts.
Sample SLA Clause:
“The Service Provider guarantees 99.9% system uptime per calendar month. Failure to meet this KPI shall entitle the Client to service credits as defined in Schedule 2.”
Governance in Contract Management: Oversight aligned with the Companies Act 2006 duties of directors.
Risk & Relationship Management
Risk Management Contracts: Allocation of risks under UCTA 1977 and limitation of liability clauses.
Business Continuity & Contractual Risk:
Ensuring alignment with Civil Contingencies Act 2004 requirements.
Supplier Relationship Management: Clauses addressing confidentiality, non-disclosure, and collaboration.
Sample Clause (Confidentiality):
“Each Party shall keep in strict confidence all technical or commercial know-how disclosed during the term of this Agreement, save as required by law.”
Technical Areas
Negotiation, Disputes & Variations:
Contract Negotiation Techniques: Covering BATNA and ZOPA models in line with UK legal frameworks.
Dispute Resolution in Contracts: Referring to the Arbitration Act 1996 and ADR principles.
Sample Clause (Dispute Resolution):
“Any dispute arising under this Agreement shall first be referred to mediation under the Centre for Effective Dispute Resolution (CEDR) Rules. If unresolved, disputes shall be referred to arbitration under the Arbitration Act 1996.”
Contract Variations & Amendments:
Enforceability under MWB Business Exchange v Rock Advertising [2018] UKSC 24 (Supreme Court ruling on No Oral Modification clauses).
Liabilities, Remedies & Financials
Contract Termination & Remedies:
Governed by express contract terms and common law doctrines.
Sample Termination Clause:
“The Client may terminate this Agreement with immediate effect if the Supplier commits a material breach which, if remediable, is not remedied within 30 days of written notice.”
Contractual Liabilities & Indemnities:
Training covers drafting indemnities subject to reasonableness under UCTA 1977, Section 2(2).
Contract Financials:
Cost, Price, Guarantees: Guidance under the Sale of Goods Act 1979 and the Commercial Agents Regulations 1993.
Documentation & Administration
Contract Administration Processes:
Record-keeping aligned with Companies Act 2006 obligations.
Contractual Documentation & Templates:
Standard clauses for guarantees, warranties, and indemnities.
Specification Writing & Scope Definition:
Reducing ambiguity by referencing ISO 9001:2015 Quality Standards.
Technology & Innovation in Contracting
IT Tools & Systems for Contract Management:
E-signatures valid under the Electronic Communications Act 2000 and Law Commission Guidance 2019.
Contract Management Frameworks:
Including ISO 31000 (risk) and ISO 44001 (collaborative business relationships).
Commercial & Ethical Dimensions
Ethical & Sustainable Contracting:
Clauses ensuring compliance with the Modern Slavery Act 2015 and the Bribery Act 2010.
Sample Ethical Clause:
“The Supplier warrants that it has taken all reasonable steps to comply with the Modern Slavery Act 2015 and shall indemnify the Client against any breach thereof.”
Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs) Contracts: Covering concession agreements and governance.
Conclusion
The Certified Professional Contract Manager (CPCM) training bridges the gap between contract management best practices and the legal frameworks governing UK contracts. By mastering contract drafting, statutory compliance, dispute resolution mechanisms, and ethical contracting, participants are equipped with practical knowledge and enforceable clauses that add real-world value to organisations.
For organisations in London and across the UK, investing in CPCM training ensures contracts are not only legally compliant but also commercially sustainable and strategically aligned.