Mastering the GCC 2015 Contract and Subcontract in South Africa

Next Course Date: 14 - 17 April 2025
(18:00 - 21:00) 4 Evening Split Sessions

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Mastering the GCC 2015 Contract and Subcontracts

Accredited Live Interactive Course

Presented by: Mike-Lacey Smith

2 ECSA CPD Points | 14 PMI PDUs

Certificate on completion

Course Cost: R 3499

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CPD Points

Upon successful completion of this course, professionals will be eligible to earn CPD points from the Engineering Council of South Africa (ECSA). These points are important for maintaining professional status and demonstrating a commitment to ongoing learning and development

PMI PDUs

Upon completion of this course, PMI certificate holders will be eligible to earn professional development units (PDUs) from the Project Management Institute (PMI). These PDUs are recognized by PMI as a way for certified professionals to maintain and improve their skills, and demonstrate their commitment to ongoing professional development

Live Online Training

A live webinar training is an interactive course that is conducted online in real-time. It allows professionals to participate remotely and engage with the instructor and other attendees through audio, video, and text-based communication. This accredited course will provide attendees with 3 months of access to recordings for review purposes after the live session has ended

Earn Your Certificate

Upon successful completion of the course, you will earn a certificate that you can add to your portfolio and showcase to prospective companies looking to hire professionals. This certificate can demonstrate your skills and knowledge, and help you stand out in the job market.

About This Course

Master the intricacies of GCC 2015 contracts and subcontracts with this ECSA-accredited course, earning 2 CPD Points and 14 PMI PDUs. This live online training provides a comprehensive breakdown of GCC contracts, including the new GCC Subcontract and Simplified Form, helping professionals understand their key differences, applications, and limitations. As SAICE’s CIDB-approved GCC contracts remain the industry standard for civil engineering projects—covering roads, bridges, and large-scale infrastructure—it’s essential to grasp their legal, financial, and administrative complexities. Poor contract management is a leading cause of disputes, and this course ensures you have the knowledge to avoid costly mistakes, minimize risk, and effectively administer contracts.

By mastering GCC contracts, you’ll gain invaluable expertise in drafting, payment provisions, contractor claims, dispute resolution, and quality control. Learn how to navigate contractual obligations, handle variations, and safeguard your interests as an employer or contractor. With the construction industry evolving, staying ahead of contract law and best practices is critical for success. Whether you’re an engineer, project manager, contractor, or quantity surveyor, this course empowers you to negotiate and manage construction contracts with confidence, ensuring smooth project execution and reduced risk of disputes.

Obtain your certificate and differentiate yourself from others

Additionally, earning a certificate in GCC 2015 Contracts can help you advance your career and potentially open up new job opportunities. Many employers prioritize hiring candidates with advanced training and certifications, and having a certificate in GCC 2015 Contracts can make you a more attractive candidate for these positions. Overall, earning a certificate in GCC 2015 Contracts can be a valuable investment in your career and can help you stand out to prospective employers.

What are the learning objectives of this course and how can they be applied to your job.

This course aims to teach participants how to prepare the various contract documents that make up the GCC 2015 contract and understand the role and responsibilities of the Employer's Representative. Participants will learn about the provisions relating to giving instructions and notices, as well as the requirements for preparing and revising the program. The course will cover how to deal effectively with variations, understand the procedures for bringing and submitting claims, and deal with defective work and the certification process leading up to the taking-over of the works. Participants will also learn about the payment provisions and how to quantify the value of work executed using the Bill of Quantities or Schedule of Payments. The course will also cover how to handle and notify disputes, and understand the grounds for and procedures applicable to the termination of the contract. By attending this course, participants will become more proficient in their role as the employer's representative and gain practical knowledge and know-how to avoid common mistakes in procuring, administering, and managing GCC forms of contracts

Accreditation earned on completion of this course:

Earning ECSA CPD points is valuable for professionals in the construction industry as it demonstrates their commitment to staying current and continuing their professional development. By completing this course and earning ECSA CPD points, professionals can showcase their dedication to best practices and expertise in Lean and Agile Principles.

Upon completing this course, professionals will earn 2 ECSA Continuing Professional Development (CPD) point and 14 Project Management Institute (PMI) Professional Development Units (PDUs) for PMP certificate holders.

Recordings of the live sessions will be made available for attending delegates who miss a session due to load shedding. Please note that the course live sessions must be attended in order to qualify for your certificate. Recordings are only for review purposes.

What is covered in this course

2015-2017

Section 1: Introduction to the GCC Family of Contracts

Understanding the Purpose and Application of GCC Contracts

Explore the role of the GCC (General Conditions of Contract) in the construction and engineering industries. Understand how these contracts standardize agreements, clarify roles and responsibilities, and mitigate disputes between stakeholders.

Key Variations Within the GCC Suite

Break down the similarities and differences between various GCC contracts, including:

GCC Main Contract – Standard agreement between employer and contractor.
GCC Subcontract – Governs relationships between contractors and subcontractors.
Simplified Form of Contract – A streamlined version for smaller projects.
Short Form of Contract – Used for minor works with minimal contractual complexity.
Learn how to determine the most appropriate contract type based on project scope, risk allocation, and complexity.

2011-2014

Section 2: Drafting and Structuring GCC Contracts

Essential Components of a GCC Contract

Gain insights into the key documents that make up a GCC contract, including:

The Agreement
The General Conditions
The Contract Data
The Bills of Quantities
The Program and Payment Provisions

Correct Methods for Drafting and Completing Contract Documents

Step-by-step guidance on how to prepare, complete, and execute each section of the contract to ensure legal enforceability and practical clarity.

Developing and Utilizing the Construction Program

Understand the role of the contractor’s program, its significance in planning and scheduling, and how to revise it effectively. Learn how the program influences contract execution, project timelines, and dispute resolution.

2007-2010

Section 3: The Role of the Employer's Agent

Duties and Responsibilities of the Employer’s Agent

Explore the authority and obligations of the Employer’s Agent, including:

Reviewing and approving contractor submissions.
Issuing instructions, certificates, and determinations.
Assessing and certifying payment applications.
Evaluating contractor claims and variations.

The Employer’s Agent’s Representative

Clarification of the delegated powers and responsibilities of the Employer’s Agent’s Representative, including on-site administration and compliance monitoring.

Section 4:

Payment Provisions and Financial Administration

Interim and Final Payment Procedures

Detailed breakdown of progress payments, including submission and approval processes.
Understanding payment terms, penalties, and interest on late payments.

Retention and Securities

Overview of retention money and performance guarantees to ensure contract fulfillment.
Legal implications of non-payment and remedies available to contractors.

Section 5:

Variations and Contract Adjustments

Understanding Variations in Scope and Cost

Identifying when variations are required and how they are initiated.
Legal and contractual implications of variations on project timelines and budgets.

Valuation of Work Executed Due to Variations

Procedures for assessing additional work, including the use of Bills of Quantities and agreed rates.
Best practices for avoiding disputes related to cost adjustments.

Section 6:

Contractor Claims and Extensions of Time

Types of Claims and Their Justifications

Claims for extensions of time due to unforeseen delays.
Claims for additional costs caused by employer-related actions or exceptional events.
The role of excepted risks and force majeure, including events such as COVID-19 lockdowns.

Best Practices for Preparing and Submitting Claims

Notification requirements and timelines under GCC contracts.
Proper documentation of contemporary records to support claims.
Avoiding disputes through clear and well-substantiated submissions.

Assessment and Response to Claims

How the Employer’s Agent must evaluate and process claims.
Understanding the consequences of delayed or improperly submitted claims.

Section 7:

Quality Control and Defective Workmanship

Ensuring Compliance with Quality Standards

Contractual obligations related to workmanship and materials.
Employer and contractor responsibilities for testing and inspections.

Liabilities for Errors and Defects

Understanding contractor liability for design errors and construction defects.
Procedures for remediation, defect correction, and rework.

Taking-Over Procedures

Understanding the conditions under which the Employer takes over the Works.
Issuance of the Taking-Over Certificate and its contractual significance.

Section 8:

Termination, Dispute Resolution, and Legal Recourse

Termination of the Contract

Grounds for termination by both Employer and Contractor.
Procedures for issuing termination notices and handling unfinished work.

Dispute Resolution Mechanisms

Overview of formal dispute resolution forums, including:
- Adjudication
- Mediation
- Arbitration
- Litigation
How to prepare and present a strong case in contract disputes.

Preventing and Managing Disputes

Strategies for avoiding conflicts through proper documentation and proactive communication.
Best practices for early dispute resolution before escalation to legal proceedings.

Your Instructor

Mike-Lacey Smith

Mike is a seasoned Psychologist and Facilitator with extensive experience in Leadership Development, Personal Effectiveness, Emotional Intelligence, Mentorship, Coaching, and various other training programs. He has a diverse background, having worked with over 250 companies globally and presented in 13 African countries and Mauritius. With a career spanning industries such as Engineering, Mining, Healthcare, Construction, and more, Mike excels in Leadership and Executive Coaching, as well as facilitating workshops on Strategic Thinking, Problem Solving, Design Thinking, and Innovation. As an accomplished author, Mike published "Life after the Pause" in August 2020, exploring the impact of SARS-Cov-2 on individuals, economies, businesses, and leadership worldwide. He has developed workshops based on this work, helping leaders navigate the challenges of the evolving work environment. Mike's qualifications include a BA in English, a Post Graduate Diploma in Education, and a MA in Counselling Psychology. With certifications in Scrum Fundamentals, TEFL, and LEAN SIX SIGMA WHITE BELT, he continues to stay at the forefront of industry trends. Throughout his career, Mike has contributed significantly to various sectors, including Government Departments, Construction, Project Management, and Occupational Health and Safety. His expertise extends to facilitating workshops on Tender Preparation and Evaluation, reflecting his commitment to advancing professional skills.