The Federation of Piling Specialists (FPS) Commercial Committee met on 12 October 2026, chaired by Stephen Edmondson (Foundation Piling) and Tom Allen (Murphy Group). Members reviewed progress across digital project data, contract risk and reliance on ground investigation, competence and audit recognition, Building Safety Regulator requirements, market conditions, payment practices, artificial intelligence and engagement with JCT and other industry bodies.
Key Updates and Actions:
Digital Project Database and Member Participation – The committee reported approximately 1,000 active users of the FPS Digital Project Database, following wider promotion and industry award recognition. Fourteen members had supplied site data, with outstanding returns being followed up. The next tranche of cleaned records is being prepared for upload with support from One Spatial and additional ArcGIS capability. Quarterly updates are planned, alongside further member support and promotion. Potential future database layers incorporating the National Underground Asset Register and Dingo pile-test database remain under consideration.
Database Access, Member Value and Communications – The committee considered whether enhanced database information should remain a member benefit or be offered through paid access. Members cautioned that monetising their data could undermine membership value; no decision was taken. The Digital Task Group will review the options. Communications are planned around each data refresh, alongside monitoring of usage and further external promotion.
Concrete Line Safety and Optimisation Tools – Research into clearing concrete line blockages has provided an evidence base for using pumping fluids with specified characteristics to reduce risk. A concrete optimisation tool, based on an existing spreadsheet, is intended to estimate the likelihood of particular mixes causing blockages. An internal webinar will introduce the concrete line blockage-clearing procedure, alongside the practical application of the associated research and optimisation tools. The committee also considered protecting member access through stronger authentication.
EFFC Collaboration and Carbon Calculator – The web-based EFFC carbon calculator is expected around December 2026. Proposed features include Excel imports from estimating systems, adjustable calculations and a dashboard displaying aggregated results against benchmarks without publishing underlying data. Training webinars and videos are envisaged, with later links to FPS order statistics and estimating software under consideration. Wider EFFC discussions covered governance and challenging European market conditions.
Artificial Intelligence and Potential FPS Task Group – Members described uses of AI in initial contract review and pre-qualification submissions, including Copilot agents. They emphasised human checking and discussed data governance, ownership of contractor data, bias and the risk of repeating inaccurate historical assumptions. Rather than establishing prescriptive FPS rules, the committee favoured sharing experience and monitoring developments. FPS will explore a possible task group with the EFFC AI group and seek an independent speaker on opportunities, limitations and risks.
Ground Investigation Data and Contractual Reliance – The committee considered the conflict between encouraging effective ground investigation and broad contractual clauses preventing specialist contractors from relying on supplied data. It agreed to prepare a standalone FPS position paper opposing such clauses, drawing on EFFC wording and Build UK material and considering the Golden Thread and Building Safety Regulator context. The aim is better information exchange, clearer responsibilities and fairer allocation of ground risk. The paper will be communicated more widely once approved.
Competence Frameworks and FPS Audit Recognition – Members reviewed the growing requirement to demonstrate individual and organisational competence in the context of the Building Safety Act. The Register of Ground Engineering Professionals (RoGEP) was discussed as a possible route for professional recognition, while the FPS Audit could help evidence organisational competence. FPS intends to engage Jim Shields and Build UK about these approaches and the Common Assessment Standard. Jo Fautley is to be invited to the November meeting to discuss audit schemes and competence validation.
Building Safety Regulator and Change Control Guidance – The FPS guidance distinguishing major, notifiable and minor changes to piling work was reviewed. It aims to provide a proportionate approach so routine or foreseeable site changes do not automatically become major regulatory changes. Build UK and the Building Safety Regulator are considering the FPS approach as a potential model. Members emphasised appropriate change-control plans, further communication once comments are resolved, and the FPS offer of CPD sessions for multidisciplinary regulator teams.
Gateway 3, As-Built Information and Contract Requirements – Members discussed increasing Gateway 3 scrutiny, including possible requests for pile verticality, installation records and other as-built information. They raised concerns about delayed final payments where documentation requirements are unclear or emerge late. The committee stressed that necessary evidence and record-keeping obligations should be specified in contracts at the outset, rather than adding unanticipated requirements at project completion.
Order Statistics and Market Conditions – The committee reviewed FPS order statistics against a subdued market. Approximately 700 orders were reported in the first half of 2026, suggesting a possible full-year level of around 1,400–1,500 compared with approximately 3,000 in earlier years. Members noted fewer major schemes, lower average order values and limited public non-housing and highways activity. As one member’s figures were missing from the latest quarter, caution was urged over comparisons. Q3 data was being compiled.
JCT Engagement and Building Safety Act Guidance – The committee considered raising ground investigation data, contractual reliance and certification through the Joint Contracts Tribunal (JCT). An accompanying JCT briefing dated 17 September outlined ongoing work on Building Safety Act contractual guidance, initially focusing on the dutyholder regime, with higher-risk buildings expected to follow. The JCT Design and Specification Committee has not confirmed a publication timetable. The briefing also identifies a pending review of Insurance Options A, B and C. FPS will consider relevant issues for future JCT engagement.
Retentions, Payment Practices and Fair Certification – Members discussed proposals within the Commercial Payments Bill, including a proposed ban on retentions, and the possibility that alternative mechanisms could cause similar payment delays. The JCT notes indicate that contract drafting will await greater clarity on the reforms. The committee also emphasised fair certification and clear evidence and payment requirements, especially at completion. No new contractual standard was adopted at the meeting.