Rank: New forum user 
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I am not new to Health & Safety in general, but i am not well experienced in CDM. I have concerns about the 'Client' duties regarding monitoring in CDM 2015. I assume this can be partially achieved by specific feedback in terms of paperwork etc. from Principle Designers and Contractors etc. but surely this cannot be all that is required? My reading of CDM 2015 would imply physical monitoring also; thank you for taking the time to read and comment on this.
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Rank: Forum user
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CDM 2015 calls on the Client to be more involved in a general sense, or perhaps a better way to put it is that need to take ownership of their duties more. In terms of their monitoring, without an ACoP we cannot see what this monitoring is intended to incapusulate. Many have interpreted it as inspections and audits of the project team, indeed a good portion of my work is now doing Client inspections of the PC and project audits of the design team and PD. Predominantly however the regulations are focusing on the Client duties from a pre-construction point of view, the PC role is viewed as a success and on site management is largely ok (probably a whole other debate there). The focus of CDM 2015 has been to improve the thought and pre-planning that goes into projects and ensuring the Client understands their responsibilities and makes arrangements according what is appropriate and sufficient for their project, i.e time and resourcing. The main focus moitoring required is towards the Client's own arrangements and whether they are working or not. Reviewing performance of the whole team is seen as part of this, therefore Client commisioned site inspections, review of RAMS for works, audits of design teams are a good way of acheiving this monitoring.
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Rank: Super forum user 
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I agree with the previous post, notwithstanding how a client discharges its duties will also depend on what type of projects are being carried out and whether the client has staff who are familiar with construction type work - not all clients do. The prnciple of CDM is good communications and co-operation, ensuring all those involved are competent and allowing sufficient time for the various pahses - if all clients did this projects would run a lot smoother and safer.
On large projects (Notifiable) I would expect the client to have a more hands-on role, by scheduling site meetings and site tours on a regular basis with both project teams. Ensuring welfare facilities are in place and suitable. When working on the client's site they may provide inductions, or some form of supervision. CDM guidance refers to a Client Brief for contractors, but with all the documents in a large project e.g. CPP, PEP, etc, I don't really see the need for this.
On smaller projects the client's role may be little more than revieiwing RAMS/CPP, sending pre-construction information and if there is a PD liaising with them periodically. Some clients may do next to nothing.
CDM is a bit vague and dare I say impractical at times. It articulates the client is responible for ensuring the health, safety and welfare for the project, however prosecutions strongly indicate clients are often not held accountable when this go wrong.
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Rank: Super forum user 
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Regulation 4 requires the client to ensure certain specifics are maintained and reviewed for the duration of the Project. He need not undertake any of this this first-hand.
This can be achieved by placing onus on other duty holder appointments to report to you (e.g. PD via regular review updates and reports, PD supplying site inspection records for agreed intervals, establishing a contractual obligation to inform of any significant incident on-site (RIDDOR, striking underground services, etc.)
There is no absolute requirement for the Client to have any presence on site, to undertake his own audits, inspections etc. Arrangements for reporting to Client should be established via contract, as should any additional visits by Client Reps, appointment of Clerk of Works etc.
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