Background Information
The SBCC was established in April 1964 as a result of the decisions of the McEwan Younger Committee which in turn followed the recommendations of the Emmerson report, that closer contacts be established with central bodies in London and that a working party be appointed in Scotland. The McEwan Younger Report "The Organisation and Practices for Building and Civil Engineering" was issued in December 1964 and SBCC adopted those recommendations and produced its first contract incorporating the 1963 Edition of the RIBA Form of Contract. The purpose of the SBCC was defined as providing adjustment to English Conditions of Contract, reflecting Scottish practice and providing for differences in Scots and English law.
SBCC was registered as a limited company in May 2003. The shareholders are:
- Association of Consulting Engineers
- National Specialist Contractors' Council
- RICS Scotland
- Royal Incorporation of Architects in Scotland
- Scottish Building
- Scottish Casec.
The SBCC became a member of the Joint Contracts Tribunal in London in 1966, has two seats on Council and one Director on the Board. It is also the "Relevant College" for Scottish building industry interests. There are presently ten Constituent Bodies drawn from across the construction industry in Scotland. The SBCC is responsible for the adaption of JCT documents for use in Scotland and for the drafting of suitable Scottish documentation.
Its aims are:
- Amending, drafting and publishing forms of building contracts for use in Scotland
- Promotion of best practice in building contracts in Scotland
- Drafting and publication of guidance and practice notes, lecture notes and commentaries on relevant contractual matters
- Nomination of arbiters, mediators or third party tribunals to facilitate dispute resolution
- Attendance at national and other committees to promote best practice in building contracts, including the Joint Contracts Tribunal.
The finance and administration is handled by the Board. The Consultative Committee provides guidance to the Board on matters of practice. The Drafting Committee prepares the documentation. The SBCC does not sell its documents but acts as wholesaler to its three Selling Bodies, the Royal Incorporation of Architects in Scotland, The Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors and Scottish Building.
