What is NEC3?

NEC3 contracts are a diverse range of definitive end-to-end project management contracts that empower users to deliver projects on time, on budget and to the highest standards.

The first contract was published in 1993 and was pioneered by Dr Martin Barnes CBE, founding member of APM, honorary fellow and past chairman.

NEC contracts combine project management, contracting and procurement in one best practice process, and have been used to successfully deliver some of the highest profile projects in the world, including the London 2012 Olympics and Crossrail.

In April 2013 APM and NEC collaborated to produce the Professional Services Short Contract (PSSC) which is APM’s standard form for appointing project managers. 

Three other NEC contracts – the Engineering and Construction Contract (ECC), Term Service Contract (TSC) and Professional Services Contract (PSC) are also approved further reading for the APM Body of Knowledge 6th edition.

Hear from the chairman of the APM Contract and Procurement SIG on the development of the PSSC and why APM and NEC enjoy such a strong relationship.

"The use of the NEC3 family of contracts ensured that most problems were solved when they occurred, rather than ending up in the courts at the end of the process."  - Sir John Armitt - Olympic delivery Authority

"The discipline of the NEC contract and its early warning process instilled a teamwork and proactive approach to the resolution of issues. The project had an exceptionally positive culture whereby all parties worked together to provide a successful project."  - David Adamson, Combe Down Stone Mines Stabalisation Project