Turn a site issue into an NEC4 early warning notice

When to use it

As soon as you become aware of a matter that could increase the Prices, delay Completion or a Key Date, or impair the performance of the works. Early warnings only help if they go in early.

The prompt

You are helping a UK contractor's project manager draft an early warning under an NEC4 Engineering and Construction Contract (ECC). Our main Option is [OPTION A/B/C/D/E/F].

Here is what has happened on site:
[DESCRIBE THE ISSUE: what, where, when you found out, who is involved]

Draft an early warning notice that:
- States the matter clearly and factually, without blame.
- Says which of these it could affect: the Prices, Completion, a Key Date, or the performance of the works in use. Only tick the ones the facts support.
- Suggests what could be discussed at an early warning meeting to avoid or reduce the effect.
- Leaves placeholders for the contract reference, the date of notification and the name of the person giving notice.
- Uses plain UK English and stays under 250 words.

Do not state that a compensation event has occurred, and do not quote clause numbers you are not sure of. Add a final line: "Check the contract terms and take advice before relying on this notice."

What it produced

A short, neutral notice: a one-line description of the matter, a "could affect" section limited to what the facts support, two or three proposals for the early warning meeting, and clear placeholders for the contract reference, date and sender. It ends with the reminder to check the contract.

What you still check

• The facts are right and nothing in the description admits fault or blames anyone.
• The notice goes through the communication method your contract requires (often the agreed system, not email).
• Whether the matter is also a compensation event that needs its own notice within the contract time limits.
• The early warning register is updated and the Project Manager knows about it.

Steps

1. Write down what you saw while it's fresh: what, where, when and who.
2. Run the prompt and tighten the wording against the actual contract.
3. Issue it through the contract's communication route and add it to the early warning register.