RICS in Scotland with CIOB: Building in a changing world: Navigating legal and commercial risk

Overview

Join us for a collaborative CIOB and RICS half-day seminar exploring the rapidly evolving legal and commercial landscape in construction.

New legislation, shifting payment practices and key court decisions are reshaping how projects are delivered and how risk is managed. This joint seminar brings together expert legal and industry insight from Thorntons Law to help you understand what’s changing - and what it means in practice.

Speakers including Jennifer Young and Sarah Stuart will provide clear, practical guidance on what you should be doing differently, with a strong focus on real-world application across projects, contracts and supply chains.

As part of our commitment to reaching members across the Highlands & Islands, this will be a hybrid event, with the option to attend in person or join online — making it accessible wherever you are based.

Expect a focused, engaging afternoon combining expert presentations, practical insight and a closing Q&A — giving you knowledge you can take straight back into your day-to-day work. Whether you're involved in procurement, cost management, project delivery or contract administration, this session will help you stay informed, confident and prepared.

Spaces are limited - early booking is recommended.

What we’ll cover

• Payment Practices
  • Payment cycles explained
  • Conditions precedent to payment
  • Payment rights and obligations on termination (SBCC/NEC contracts)
  • “Time to pay up” – outcomes from the UK government’s response to the late payment consultation
     
• Commercial & Contractual Challenges
  • Managing price fluctuations and market uncertainty
  • Advance payment arrangements
  • Ownership of goods and materials under Scots law
  • Off‑site materials agreements (OSMAs)
     
• Planning law update – when is listed building consent required?
  
  
• Key legal developments
  • SBCC Minor Works 2024 – what’s new?
  • Building Safety Act implications
  • Collateral warranties and contractual risk
  • Payment notices, pay less notices, and adjudication
     

Who should attend?

• Contractors & subcontractors
• Developers & employers
• Quantity surveyors
• Project managers & contract administrators
• Architects, engineers & consultants
• Anyone involved in construction procurement, contracts or project delivery
   

Why attend?

• Understand the latest legal changes affecting construction
• Hear from specialists working at the front line of construction law and practice
• Connect with fellow professionals across the CIOB and RICS networks
   

Event Details

• Date: Tuesday 16 June 2026
• Venue: UHI Inverness (with online access available)
• Registration: from 1:30pm
• Event Time: 2:00pm – 5:00pm
• Format: Hybrid (in-person and online attendance)
• Refreshments: Provided
   

Running Order

• Welcome & Introductions
• Session 1: “Time to Pay Up” – Payment Practices Explained
• Session 2: Commercial & Contractual Challenges
• Break – Coffee & Networking
• Session 3: Planning Law Update – Listed Building Consent
• Session 4: SBCC Minor Works 2024 & Legal Update
• Round-up & Q&A