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The clerk of works is a full-time inspector of the works on behalf of the owner but exercises no executive authority and is usually under the direction of a contract administrator, superintendent or architect (depending on the contract). Clerk of works are sometimes referred to as site inspectors.
Generally, the involvement of a clerk of works has been less common in Australia in recent times. However, the benefits of a clerk of works as part of an overall contract administration service deserves consideration, particularly following recent building failures such as the 2017 Grenfell Towers fire (UK), the 2019 Lacrosse building fire (Melbourne) and the 2018 Opal Towers evacuation (Sydney). This practice note is therefore retained as a reference and guide to the traditional role of clerk of works.