In this series we find out more about some of the key people who give their time to support the JCT Young Professionals Group (JCT YPG). We will look at our interviewees’ background and how they got into the industry, the importance of their contribution to JCT YPG specifically, and gain their views on JCT’s wider role within the industry.
Bethany Penman, HLM Architects, Legal Advisor
Bethany is a Legal Advisor for HLM Architects; her role involves reviewing and negotiating contracts, advising project teams on issues, managing disputes internally and securing the practices insurance (including PI).
JCT: Tell us a bit about your background. What is your current role, and why did you decide on a career in the construction industry?
I currently work as a Legal Advisor for HLM Architects; my role involves reviewing and negotiating contracts, advising project teams on issues, managing disputes internally and securing the practices insurances (including PI). The role is varied so I deal with a wide range of commercial issues, including ones that are not construction related.
Before embarking on a career move sideways into law, I practiced as an Architect, designing a variety of typologies from luxury homes and extensions, to hotels and schools. My project experience covers RIBA Stage 0/1 to 6 and includes running projects on site. I qualified as an Architect in 2018 gaining my Part 3 from the Architectural Association School of Architecture. I have a BSc and MArch in Architecture from University College London.
As cliché as it may sound, seeing The Gherkin being constructed as a child was what inspired me to pursue a career in the construction industry. I remember seeing this amazing curved glass structure emerge from the City while walking down Whitechapel Road and ever since then I knew I wanted to be an Architect.
It was while working as an Architect and as a Contract Administrator that I became interested in the legal side of construction. I found it interesting that the provisions of a contract, if drafted carefully, guide the parties through challenging times. These experiences demonstrated how a good relationship between the contractor and employer is crucial to enabling negotiation and compromise.
In 2020 I embarked on an MSc in Construction Law and Dispute Resolution at King’s College London where I learnt foundational knowledge in law alongside in-depth construction law modules. I wrote my dissertation on inflation in the construction industry, and the methods and outcomes employed by parties to overcome the financial burden of inflation.
I am now training to be a Solicitor and I look forward to what the future holds as I embark on a career change (all be it, still within the construction industry).
JCT: Bethany, how did you first come to be involved with JCT’s Young Professionals Group? Why do you think it is important to be involved with the new focus group?
I came across the JCT’s Young Professionals Group during the Covid-19 pandemic and, once restrictions lifted, I went along to some of the YPG events to hear the talks and to network. The events provided insight on topical construction issues but also were a great place to ask questions and get understanding from others in the industry.
The YPG provides an important learning and networking environment for young professionals, without the pressure of feeling your questions or knowledge are being judged; I find that refreshing.
JCT: Can you tell us about any specific work you’re currently doing that has any association to JCT and its contracts (e.g. any case studies/webinars/podcasts/blogs/vlogs)?
In my current role, about 75% of the contracts I review are bespoke agreements with the other 25% being standard forms. In terms of JCT agreements, I frequently see the 2016 Consultancy Agreement (Public Sector) being used.
JCT: Do you have any personal career highlights so far?
In terms of my legal career, graduating from the MSc in Construction Law course at King’s was pivotal. The course led me on the journey to becoming a Solicitor and I am grateful to the knowledgeable tutors at King’s for preparing me for a career in Construction Law.
In terms of my architectural career, successfully delivering two hospitality projects on site during the Covid-19 pandemic was a highlight. I faced many obstacles such as restrictions in working environments, sub-contractors not being able to carry out their portion of work at the last minute and one of the clients being stuck in another country, but I worked alongside the contractor to ensure the works continued despite some set-backs.
JCT: What are you most proud of about the construction industry as a whole and where do you think it most needs to improve?
The construction industry’s approach to change; whether that be economic volatility, the introduction of new legislation or the pandemic. The challenges over the past few years demonstrate the industry’s adaptability and strength.
JCT: Does JCT and the Young Professionals Group have a wider role to play in the industry beyond producing contracts?
I believe JCT and the YPG do have a role to play in the industry in informing each other; the YPG, in terms of how members and the industry use JCT contracts, and the JCT, in responding to changes in the industry and informing YPG members of the latest developments.