Nominated subcontractor: definition and example
A subcontractor selected through an employer nomination mechanism under the relevant contract.
By Jack Butler-Kettle · Updated
Guidance for England and Wales. Check the contract, amendments and facts that apply to your job.
What it means in practice
Nomination describes a selection arrangement involving the employer under the relevant contract. It is distinct from a main contractor simply choosing its own subcontractor. Named, listed and nominated arrangements are not interchangeable, and terminology varies between forms and editions.
Confirm who appoints, instructs and pays you. A pre-signing contract review can clarify the proposed contractual chain and the obligations being passed down.
Worked example
The facts
An employer recommends a particular lift specialist to the main contractor.
What happens
The specialist checks whether this is a formal contractual nomination or simply a recommendation.
It identifies the party entering the subcontract and the agreed payment route.
What this shows
Being selected by the employer does not alone establish the legal relationship or a right to direct payment.