JCT has announced that its chair, Karen Kirkham, has been re-appointed for a second term, extending her tenure to February 2027.
Karen Kirkham, who is a construction lawyer at BDB Pitmans LLP, was appointed JCT chair in March 2021, and is the first woman to hold the post. Her first term has seen the launch of a number of new JCT products and services, including the Dispute Adjudication Board Documentation 2021, the 2021 Home Owner Contracts, Project Bank Account Documentation 2022, and most recently, the Contract Administration Model Forms for the Minor Works and Home Owner contract families.
At the JCT Parliamentary Reception on 16 June, Karen announced the latest edition of the JCT contract suite, JCT 2024, which will be launched next year.
Karen’s career and involvement with JCT spans over 30 years, advising clients from all sectors of the industry, including commercial developers, occupiers, charities, local authorities, public infrastructure companies, contractors, sub-contractors, architects, and individual householders.
Karen was also the former legal director of the Construction Confederation during a key period for the industry when major legislation, including the Housing Grants, Construction and Regeneration Act 1996 and Arbitration Act 1996, was being passed. She has been listed as a leading construction legal practitioner in Chambers since 2008.
JCT chair, Karen Kirkham, said:
“It is both a delight and privilege to be continuing in my role as JCT chair for a second term. We are entering an important period for JCT, and the industry, as we prepare for the launch of JCT 2024 next year.
“I am looking forward to continuing to work with my very hard-working JCT colleagues to support and promote JCT in its drive to provide the industry with a class-leading suite of contracts, embrace modern working and digital technologies, and incorporate the very latest legislative changes and best practice working policies.”