How to check whether JCT 2016 or 2024 guidance applies

Step-by-step guide

1. 1. Identify the actual agreement

   Record the form's full name, abbreviation, edition, parties and execution details. Obtain the conditions, particulars, schedules, amendments and incorporated documents.

   Do not use the date of signing as a substitute for the edition. A contract signed after 2024 can still use a 2016 form.

   Check document priority and any agreed amendments. If documents conflict, record the issue rather than selecting the clause that produces the preferred answer.

   Our JCT explanation introduces the contract family. The subcontract document checklist helps assemble the working pack.

2. 2. Check relevant edition differences

   The JCT 2024 information booklet describes changes concerning electronic notices, time procedures, building-regulation responsibilities, termination accounting and other matters.

   These are review prompts, not substitute clauses. Confirm their presence and effect in your selected form, including amendments.

   Use the JCT 2024 edition information to identify the published contract and supporting material. Then check the actual document before giving operational instructions.

   Scroll across to read all columns.

   Checks before carrying a process from one edition to another

   Process	Check in the agreed contract
   Serving a notice	Permitted method, address, recipient, notice type and evidence of service
   Time and money	Relevant event or matter, notification requirements and assessment procedure
   Design and statutory roles	Appointments, duties, design obligations and project-specific amendments
   Termination account	Grounds, notices, valuation and payment procedure before taking action

3. 3. Map the applicable procedure

   For each recurring task, record the contractual source, trigger, responsible person, recipient, required information and deadline. Link the entry to the relevant document revision.

   Distinguish an extension of time from entitlement to additional money. Do not transfer a clause number or assessment period between forms without checking it.

   Similarly, electronic communication being available does not establish that every notice can be served by any email address. Check the selected options and applicable notice rules.

   Identify the relevant jurisdiction and mandatory law separately. A familiar contract label does not resolve every statutory question.

   The payment and notices explanation and delay comparison explain these separate commercial questions.

4. 4. Maintain checked working records

   Label working templates with the form, edition and project-specific basis. Keep a checked notice calendar and document register beside them.

   When using a Library article, check its stated form and edition. General explanations help identify questions; the executed agreement determines the contractual wording.

   Escalate uncertain service, termination or entitlement questions before taking irreversible action. Record the advice and the version relied upon.

   A signed contract review can turn the actual agreement into a project action record. Update that record when the parties agree a change.

Before you finish: Confirm every operational clause reference, recipient and deadline against the actual agreement. Record unresolved issues before relying on a generic template.

Worked example