BHD Commercial · Practical template

NEC4 Site Instruction & Communication Log

Use this log to create one searchable record of instructions, decisions, notices, requests, responses and actions that affect the work, cost, time or project record.

Use with care. This is a practical working template, not project-specific legal advice. A log entry does not automatically satisfy a contractual notice requirement. Use the communications system and notice wording required by the executed contract.

Project details

ProjectContract / package
ContractorProject Manager
Log ownerReporting period

Communication log

Use a unique reference for every entry. Attach the original communication and supporting information. Mark whether a response, instruction, early warning, compensation event notification, programme update or commercial action may be required.

Ref / dateFrom / to / channelSubject and concise recordInstruction / notice / decision?Action, owner and due dateLinked record / status
COM-001

COM-002

COM-003

COM-004

COM-005

COM-006

COM-007

Instruction follow-up sheet

Instruction refScope / drawing / revisionReceived by siteCost or programme question raisedResponse / quotation refClosed by / date

Good record habits

  1. Record what was actually communicated, by whom, to whom, when and through which approved channel.
  2. Distinguish an instruction, a request for information, an early warning, a compensation event notification and a meeting action.
  3. State the action and the responsible person. Link to the related drawing, programme, register, photograph or cost record.
  4. Escalate unclear or conflicting instructions promptly and retain the superseded version for the audit trail.
  5. Review open items at the weekly project and commercial meetings and record the decision made.