Construction certification and professional responsibility: Quantik learns with Eversheds Sutherland

The Quantik team recently welcomed Joseph Hale of Eversheds Sutherland for a session exploring professional responsibilities, construction certification and the risks of falling short of the standards expected within the industry.

Using a recent case as the basis for discussion, the session offered an opportunity to consider how these responsibilities translate into day-to-day practice, and why careful assessment and sound professional judgement matter throughout a construction project.

Examining the case

The session focused on Coventry & Warwickshire Development Partnership LLP v Avison Young (UK) Limited [2026] EWHC 2319 (TCC), a case concerning professional negligence and the over-certification of construction works.

Eversheds Sutherland acted for Coventry & Warwickshire Development Partnership, successfully securing enforcement of an adjudicator’s decision awarding approximately £8.7 million plus interest.

Joseph guided the team through the case, providing context for a discussion about the responsibilities construction professionals carry and the potential consequences when the standard of their work is called into question.

Read the judgment on BAILII.

The importance of professional judgement

For quantity surveyors and other construction professionals, assessing and certifying work involves decisions that can have significant financial implications. The session provided a useful reminder of the care these decisions require and the importance of maintaining a rigorous approach throughout an appointment.

The wider themes offer valuable points for reflection: understanding the scope of our responsibilities, critically assessing the information available to us, and ensuring that professional judgements have a clear and well-supported basis.

Clear records and effective communication also play an important role in good professional practice. Being able to explain how an assessment was reached, identify uncertainties and raise concerns helps those involved in a project understand the basis of decisions.

Learning from real cases

Examining real disputes creates an opportunity to connect professional standards with the practical situations our team encounters. It encourages us to question assumptions, share experience and reflect on how we approach our work.

At Quantik, continuing professional development is an important part of maintaining and strengthening the expertise we bring to our clients. Sessions like this support that development by giving our team space to discuss challenging issues and learn from the experience of others across the construction and legal professions.

Our thanks to Joseph Hale and the Eversheds Sutherland team for sharing their time and insights, and for facilitating a valuable discussion about professional responsibility in construction.