Hello there, I would like to get into creating a company selling my skills as a CDM coordinator. I have six years experience of working on building sites in a safety position, am Tech IOSH and am currently studying for my nvq level 6 pg diploma (complete it around June time). I have been contacted by an agency that is recruiting for someone to start up a CDM company selling my skills as a CDM coordinator. The role would be to build up a business whilst the company pays me a salary to support myself but I have a few questions which are:

What obstacles would people think I would need to overcome? (I know building up contacts and a portfolio is a main obstacle as is getting a business off the ground in these economic times but any thoughts/advice welcome)

How experienced would people say I would need to have to be classed as competent for the role? (I dont get my Diploma until June time however I am fairly well experienced in safety)

What do people think would be the best way to approach customers and sell the service? (eg approaching HR)

I have a meeting with the fellow in the near future about this role so any feedback would be very welcome.

Thanks Craig

Thanks, yes, I think Im going to apply for the APS membership. I understand what you mean about the CDMc`s finding work projects, hopefully 2010 will be a better year than last for contruction workers.

Your first place to start in demonstrating competency is looking at the CDM ACOP and meeting the requirments set out in the same for being a CDM Coordinator. You could also look to getting your company reviewed by CHAS who will undertake a stage 1 assessment on your organisation to see if you are likely to meet the minimum requirements. I would suggest that you start on small simple schemes and work your way up to larger or more specialist areas. Notwithstanding this a small or low value scheme may not necessarlily mean it is simple or low risk!

Although you may understand construction and safety it is also essential to have an understanding of the design process, and the factors driving design decisions. Knowledge of procurement routes is also a big factor I find when managing the CDM process. When looking at a design you need to understand the implications and buildabilty of the same so you can advise the client and design team. Spend time with all of the design team learning about what they do. It is also important to have access to a good range of external resources so you can access them when required. You may need to suppliment your service with specialist advice outside of the existing project team, you may want to initiate a HAZOP or other such review process for example. From a commercial point of view are you able to assist in the develop of practical solutions to any problems that may arise or design shortcomings you may identify.

You need to be able to offer a well rounded service that meets with the requirements of the regulations but also assists and integrates you into the design team and can offer value to your client where possible.

APS courses are good, also look to establishing relationships with design and consultancy practices, organisations such as RIBA, CIOB and ICE are also worth joining to further your professional development and inform your role as CDM Coordinator. It is a long process to acheive competency but the role can be very interesting and rewarding when undertaken properly with a receptive and competent design team.

Make sure you are also taking the correct advice in terms of organisations set up, insurances (different clients require different levels of insurance). hope this helps all the best