Pre 2014, the contractor and the contractor’s design team were fully responsible for ensuring quality and for certifying that the buildings were being constructed in accordance with the works requirements and building regulations.
Under current regulations, an independent Assigned Certifier is also appointed. The Assigned Certifier gathers and relies upon the ancillary certificates which must be provided by the contractor and its design team. The responsibility for the design and the execution of the works in compliance with the building regulations therefore remains with the contractor in a design and build contract.
Details on the year of completion of the 42 schools in question is available on my Department's website.