Which columns should a departures schedule contain?
Keep the source requirement separate from the proposed position. Use one row per issue and link each row to the clarification or commercial approval that closes it.
| Column | Purpose | Control |
|---|---|---|
| Source | Clause and revision | Trace to contract |
| Issue | Problem or risk | State precisely |
| Departure | Proposed position | Route for approval |
| Effect | Price, time or scope | Record basis |
| Status | Open, approved or rejected | Keep history |
Sources: Western Australian Legislation: Construction Contracts Act 2004, UK Cabinet Office: The Construction Playbook
What is the difference between a clarification and a departure?
A clarification asks what the tender means or requests missing information. A departure states a proposed change or qualification. The contract and tender instructions decide how each must be submitted.
Sources: NEC Contracts: NEC4 contracts, FIDIC: FIDIC contracts
How should a departure be approved?
A qualified contracts or legal adviser should review the position, while the commercial and technical leads assess its effect on the bid. This register is not legal advice.
Common questions
What else should the bid team know?
Is this legal advice?
This is document support, not legal advice. A qualified contracts or legal adviser must review the applicable contract and tender position.
Can a register decide whether a clause is fair?
No. It identifies the text, issue, owner and proposed question. A qualified adviser decides the legal or contractual position.
Should the whole contract be sent through the form?
Send a document index and a description of the review needed first. Use a secure, agreed channel for confidential contract files.
Primary sources
- Construction Contracts Act 2004Western Australian Legislation
- NEC4 contractsNEC Contracts
- The Construction PlaybookUK Cabinet Office
- FIDIC contractsFIDIC