JCT-backed research report highlights mental health challenges for young construction workers

A report, sponsored by JCT, and published by the Construction Leadership Council (CLC) as part of their Mental Health Project, has highlighted the mental health challenges facing young workers in the industry and makes several key recommendations to provide solutions and improvements. “Understanding the wellbeing experiences of young construction workers in England: what are the challenges and what should the industry do about them?” was carried out by the University of Warwick and Mates in Mind, a registered charity set up to improve mental health…

Michelmores’ Anna Wood appointed chair of JCT Drafting Sub-Committee

JCT has announced that Anna Wood, partner and head of construction, Michelmores, has been appointed chair of the JCT Drafting Sub-Committee. Anna, whose appointment takes effect in July 2026, takes over from Victoria Peckett, partner, Clyde & Co, who stands down after 18 years in the role. Anna Wood has extensive experience advising on both contentious and non-contentious construction matters. Leading Michelmores’ construction team, she advises developers, employers, contractors and consultants on a broad range of projects across the UK. Anna is recognised for her…

Chair pays tribute to JCT members and supporters at Parliamentary Reception

JCT’s Construction Industry Parliamentary Reception 2026, hosted at the House of Commons Terrace Pavilion, was an occasion for celebration and acknowledgement of the members, contributors, and supporters across the industry who play a vital role in JCT’s success. In her speech, JCT chair, Karen Kirkham, reflected both on her tenure in the role – which included the successful release of the JCT 2024 Edition – and paid tribute to all those involved, not just in producing the contracts, but in maintaining what makes JCT unique…

Date for JCT Construction Industry Parliamentary Reception 2026 Announced

JCT has announced that its annual Construction Industry Parliamentary Reception 2026 will be held on Friday, 12 June 2026. One of the highlights of the construction industry calendar, the JCT Construction Industry Parliamentary Reception is an exclusive occasion for its members and guests. Each year the event celebrates achievements in the built environment, raises awareness of important issues or new developments, and, in particular, recognises the work of members across all sectors of the industry that contribute to JCT’s success. The reception is an opportunity…

JCT Releases Updated Education Module for 2026

JCT has announced the release of the latest version of its education and learning module, JCT Contracts Discovery. JCT Contracts Discovery is designed for teachers and students involved in the study of JCT contracts and contract procedures in the construction industry. It can be used by education providers for teaching about JCT contracts either as a stand-alone topic, or as part of a broader study of the construction process and construction contracts. This latest publication of JCT Contracts Discovery has been substantially revised from the…

Spring 2026 Series of JCT Training Courses Announced

JCT has announced its course dates for the spring 2026 series of JCT Training. The series includes a range of full-day in-person courses and 3-hour online webinar courses. Scheduled to take place from February to May, the courses will focus on contract families from the JCT 2024 Edition of Contracts, as well as continuing a course that was introduced in the autumn 2025 series, ‘Working with JCT Contracts 2024 (The Legal Aspects)’, an interactive course introducing the legal framework that underpins JCT contracts. The sessions…

‘Augmenting’ Human Intelligence With AI Will Transform Our Buildings

AI is already here and, as part of a human-centred process, will maximise the opportunities to transform the building industry – including optimising buildings at an early stage, enhancing creativity in design, developing new building materials, and delivering more sustainable buildings – explained Diego Padilla-Philipps, director, Decarbonisation and Innovation in Building Structures, WSP, in his JCT Povey Lecture, on Thursday, 13 November 2025. Diego’s presentation, titled “Human-Centred, Evidence-Based, Augmented Intelligence in Building Design”, introduced the concept of ‘Co-Design’, a multidisciplinary approach to optimising building design….

Diego Padilla-Philipps to give the JCT Povey Lecture 2025

Diego Padilla-Philipps, director, Decarbonisation and Innovation for Building Structures, WSP, has been announced as the speaker for the JCT Povey Lecture 2025, taking place on Thursday, 13 November. The title of Diego’s presentation is “Human-Centred, Evidence-Based, Augmented Intelligence in Building Design”. At the forefront of modern construction, from both a design and engineering perspective, Diego will discuss the transformative power of automation and AI in the design of better buildings, and its potential to help us navigate the complexities of modern projects, ambitious sustainability targets,…

JCT Online Launch Event Reveals More Details About New Target Cost Contract

Viewers attending the online launch event for the JCT Target Cost Contract were given a detailed overview of the contract and the background to its production on Wednesday, 10 September. The presentation featured JCT chair, Karen Kirkham, and vice-chair of the JCT Drafting Sub-Committee (DSC), John Riches. In his position as DSC vice-chair, John Riches had a central role (alongside colleagues in the DSC) in the production of the Target Cost Contract and its drafting. John and Karen’s discussion explored in greater detail the background…

JCT Announces Launch Event for Target Cost Contract

JCT will be hosting an online launch event, providing more information about the JCT Target Cost Contract 2024, on Wednesday, 10 September 2025. ‘Introducing the JCT Target Cost Contract 2024’ will feature JCT chair, Karen Kirkham, and vice chair of the JCT Drafting Sub-Committee, John Riches. They will be discussing the main features of this new contract family, including how it works, why JCT decided to produce it for the 2024 Edition, how it fits in with the rest of the JCT suite, what documents…