Aptoris

Free CDM 2015 template

Pre-Construction Information Template

Download a free, editable Word template for assembling and issuing project-specific pre-construction information under CDM 2015.

Download the free Word template (Word document, 257 KB, Aptoris-Pre-Construction-Information-Template.docx)

Editable .docx, 18 pages, No sign-up required

Read the full PCI guide
  • Word formatEditable .docx, no macros
  • CDM 2015Built around pre-construction information
  • 18-page template17 sections, use the ones you need
  • Project-specific promptsGuidance notes and example entries

Preview the template

The template provides a structured framework for assembling, reviewing and issuing project-specific pre-construction information without turning PCI into a generic hazard list.

These are real pages from the Word template. Blue guidance boxes explain what each section is for, example entries show a completed answer, and the tables are ready to fill in.

Existing Information and Gap Register page, with a table for reviewing existing records, a significant information gaps table with action, owner, target date and status columns, and a worked example
Existing Information & Gap RegisterOpen full-size page: Existing Information & Gap Register (opens in a new tab)

On this page

Existing Information & Gap Register

  • Review what already exists: health and safety file, surveys, drawings
  • Record significant gaps with the action, owner, target date and status
  • A worked example shows a gap carried through to an action

Swipe to see more pages.

Download the free Word template (Word document, 257 KB, Aptoris-Pre-Construction-Information-Template.docx)

What’s included in the template?

Seventeen sections, grouped here into the areas they cover. Each has guidance, prompts and, where useful, a worked example.

  • Project and client information
  • CDM duty holders and appointments
  • Programme, time and resources
  • Existing information and significant gaps
  • Site and surrounding conditions
  • Existing structures and ground conditions
  • Services, utilities and isolations
  • Hazardous materials and health hazards
  • Design information and significant residual risks
  • Construction constraints and interfaces
  • Management and coordination
  • Welfare, security and emergency interfaces
  • Reference information
  • Health & Safety File requirements
  • PCI review, issue and revision control

Why it helps

Built for project-specific PCI

Useful pre-construction information tells designers and contractors what is known about this project, how reliable it is and what still needs to happen. The template is laid out to capture exactly that, rather than a generic list of construction hazards.

  • What is already known

    Review existing records, surveys and any health and safety file before anything else.

  • Where it came from

    Reference the source of each item so people can judge how far to rely on it.

  • Significant gaps

    Flag what is missing or unverified instead of assuming it.

  • Actions and owners

    Give every gap an action, an owner and a target date.

  • Design and site constraints

    Capture the constraints and residual risks others need to plan around.

  • Kept under review

    Record revisions as surveys return and the design develops.

  • Issued to the right people

    Track who received each issue, so designers and contractors work from current information.

From generic information to useful PCI

Illustrative example

Too generic

“Underground services may be present.”

What it leaves out

  • Where
  • Who says so
  • How reliable it is
  • What is missing
  • What happens next

Project-specific

“Existing record drawings indicate electrical and data services within the proposed floor-box trench. The drawings have not been verified on site. An intrusive service survey is required before the final route is fixed. Survey responsibility: Client Project Manager. Required before Stage 4 design issue.”

Where it goes in the template

  • Services, Utilities & Isolations: location, source and status
  • Gap register: the survey, its owner and target date
  • Review & issue record: closed off once the survey is back

Illustrative example. The wording is not prescribed; adapt it to your project.

Key takeawayUseful PCI explains what is known, the source of the information, what remains uncertain and what needs to happen next.

Who is the template for?

Anyone assembling or contributing to pre-construction information can use it.

  • Clients

    Bring together the information you hold or can reasonably obtain, and issue it to designers and contractors.

  • Principal Designers

    Help the client identify, collate and issue the information on projects with more than one contractor.

  • Project managers and advisers

    Organise the information on the client’s behalf, with the client’s input and sign-off.

  • Designers

    Contribute design assumptions, constraints and significant residual risks.

  • Tender and pre-construction teams

    Assemble the information issued with tender or appointment documents.

  • Who holds the duty?

    Under CDM 2015, the client has the main duty to provide pre-construction information. On projects involving more than one contractor, the Principal Designer assists the client. Using the template does not change who holds these duties.

    Read about PCI responsibilities

How to use the template

  1. Step 1: Download and review

    Replace the prompts with project-specific information and identify what is already available.

  2. Step 2: Fill the gaps

    Record missing information, actions, owners and target dates where further surveys or clarification are needed.

  3. Step 3: Review and issue

    Update the PCI as the design develops and issue relevant information to designers and contractors at the right time.

Pre-Construction Information template FAQs

  • Is this Pre-Construction Information template free?

    Yes. It is free to download, with no sign-up and no email address needed. Select Download the free Word template and the file downloads straight away.

  • Is the template editable in Microsoft Word?

    Yes. It is an editable Word document (.docx) with no macros. Each prompt sits in a Word content control: click it and type to replace it. You can add table rows and remove sections you do not need. Other software that opens .docx files should work, although formatting may vary.

  • Who should complete the PCI template?

    The client has the main duty to provide pre-construction information, so the template is normally completed by or for the client. On projects involving more than one contractor, the Principal Designer assists the client. Others, such as project managers and designers, can contribute, but using the template does not move the duty.

  • Does every construction project need Pre-Construction Information?

    Yes. CDM 2015 applies to all construction work, so relevant pre-construction information is needed on every project, in proportion to its nature and risks. On a small job, use only the sections the project needs.

  • What should Pre-Construction Information contain?

    Relevant information about the project, the existing site and structures, hazards and constraints, design information and existing records, including any significant gaps. See what pre-construction information should contain in our guide.

  • Does PCI have to be a single document?

    No. CDM requires relevant information to be provided, not a particular format. The template gives you one structured place to assemble and issue it, and its reference information register points to surveys, drawings and reports held elsewhere.

  • Can I use this template for a domestic project?

    Yes, where the work is construction work under CDM 2015. On domestic projects the client duties are carried out by others under the arrangements for domestic projects; the template includes a domestic client note on this.

  • What should I do if important information is missing?

    Record it in the template’s gap register with the action needed, an owner and a target date, and take reasonable steps to obtain it, such as commissioning a survey, rather than passing incomplete information on.

  • What is the difference between PCI and a Construction Phase Plan?

    Pre-construction information gives designers and contractors relevant project, site and risk information. The construction phase plan sets out how health and safety will be managed during the construction phase, and relevant PCI should inform it. Our Construction Phase Plan template covers the plan.

  • Is this an official HSE template?

    No. Aptoris is independent, and this template is not produced, approved or endorsed by HSE. For authoritative requirements, refer to CDM 2015 and HSE’s guidance, L153 (opens in a new tab).

Related resources

Guidance and templates to help you prepare and use the information.

  • Guide

    CDM client duties

    The client’s duties under CDM 2015, including providing pre-construction information.

  • Guide

    Principal Designer duties

    How the Principal Designer helps the client with pre-construction information on multi-contractor projects.

  • Guide

    CDM compliance checklist

    A practical review of appointments, pre-construction information, design coordination and the construction phase.

  • Free tool

    CDM Duty Holder Checker

    Check which CDM 2015 roles apply to your project, including whether a Principal Designer is needed.

    Guidance only. Not legal advice or a definitive compliance determination.

Ready to prepare your project’s PCI?

Download the editable Word template and start assembling the information your designers and contractors need.

Download the free Word template (Word document, 257 KB, Aptoris-Pre-Construction-Information-Template.docx)

Editable .docx, No sign-up required