Terms of engagement.
Every appointment is made on written terms that match the role. The four standard sets are summarised here; the full terms are issued with the letter of instruction.
The practice's own terms of engagement, written to comply with the RICS practice statement Surveyors acting as expert witnesses, with separate provisions for consumer and business clients.
Which terms apply
Expert adviser
Privileged advice to one party and its legal team. No report is served. Duty is to the client, subject to professional standards.
Dispute adviser
Quantity surveying analysis and advisory reports for negotiation, mediation and adjudication support. Duty is to the client.
Party-appointed expert
CPR Part 35 expert instructed by one party. Overriding duty to the court or tribunal. Report served and Statement of Truth given.
Single Joint Expert
CPR 35.7 expert instructed by two or more parties jointly. Communications copied to all parties; written questions under CPR 35.6.
Common provisions
- Scope. The questions to be answered, the documents to be reviewed and the limits of the opinion are set out in the letter of instruction. Work outside that scope is agreed in writing before it is undertaken.
- Fees. Time-based at the hourly rate stated, or a fixed fee where agreed. Estimates are given once documents and questions are known. Invoices are rendered monthly or at agreed stages, and attendance at hearings is charged at a daily rate. Fees are not contingent on outcome in any expert role.
- Independence. In expert roles the expert's duty to the tribunal overrides any obligation to the instructing party. The client may comment on factual accuracy and completeness of instructions but may not direct the opinion.
- Conflicts and disclosure. Conflicts are checked across ClystCore Ltd before acceptance. Prior roles and connections are disclosed and recorded in the report.
- Confidentiality. Information is held in confidence and used only for the instruction, subject to the duties owed to the tribunal and to RICS.
- Liability. Liability is limited as stated in the terms, with different provisions for consumer and business clients. Expert witness immunity no longer applies in England and Wales, and the practice carries professional indemnity insurance accordingly.
- Complaints. ClystCore Ltd operates a complaints handling procedure approved by RICS, with access to an independent redress scheme. A copy is available on request.
- Cancellation. Consumer clients have statutory cancellation rights where the contract is made at a distance or away from business premises. Business clients may terminate on notice, with fees payable for work done.
RICS regulation statement
ClystCore Ltd is regulated by RICS for the provision of surveying services. This means we agree to uphold the RICS Rules of Conduct and all other applicable mandatory professional practice requirements of RICS, which can be found at rics.org. As an RICS regulated firm we have committed to cooperating with RICS in ensuring compliance with its standards. The firm's Responsible Principal is Christopher Baker MRICS, Director, contactable at enquiries@bakeraccordia.co.uk.
This page is a summary for information only. The terms issued with each letter of instruction are the terms that apply. Specimen terms are available to solicitors and barristers on request.
Page last reviewed October 2026
Request specimen terms and rates.
Available to instructing solicitors, barristers and professional clients on request.