26.12.2025
Estimated Reading Time: 12 minutes
Key Takeaways
- The UK BIM Mandate has evolved into the Information Management Mandate, delivered through the UK BIM Framework and applicable through to 2030.
- BIM compliance requires adherence to the ISO 19650 series of international standards, which superseded BIM Level 2 terminology in 2018.
- Organisations must deliver projects in accordance with the UK BIM Framework, whilst projects require application of BS EN ISO 19650-2:2018 processes.
- For public-funded projects, conformance to the UK BIM Framework is mandatory regardless of project type or size.
- Private sector projects benefit significantly from BIM implementation through improved coordination, reduced costs, and enhanced collaboration.
- Exchange Information Requirements (EIR) documentation is essential for compliance; without it, a project is not complying with the UK BIM Framework.
- BIM delivers measurable benefits across design, construction, and operation phases of the asset lifecycle.
How Has UK BIM Legislation Evolved?
Most of the construction industry is now familiar with the UK BIM Mandate that was set out by the UK Government Construction Strategy in May 2011, detailing that for all centrally-procured public projects, the ‘Government will require fully collaborative 3D BIM (with all project and asset information, documentation and data being electronic) as a minimum by April 2016’. BIM Level 2 was developed to meet this mandate.
In 2018, the term ‘BIM Level 2’ was superseded by the UK Building Information Management (BIM) Framework, which was based on the emerging ISO 19650 series of standards and remaining BS/PAS 1192.
In 2021, the Government published ‘Transforming Infrastructure Performance (TIP): Roadmap to 2030’, and the BIM Mandate was redefined as the ‘Information Management Mandate’ delivered through the application of the UK BIM Framework, being applicable immediately and for the duration of the TIP 10-year plan.
UK BIM Framework
| Document | Purpose |
| Transforming Infrastructure Performance: Roadmap to 2030 | Sets out a vision for innovation and reform in infrastructure delivery, to “end what is seen as artificial separation between infrastructure and construction, collectively prioritising societal outcomes |
| Construction Playbook | Sets out key policies and guidance for how public works projects and programmes are assessed, procured, and delivered |
| National Infrastructure Strategy | Sets out plans to transform UK infrastructure to level up the country, strengthen the Union and achieve net zero emissions by 2050 |
By following these three interrelated documents, you are meeting the new mandate.
What Does BIM Compliance Mean for UK Construction Projects?
There are two facets to BIM Compliance:
For Organisations
- Companies need to deliver projects in accordance with the UK BIM Framework.
- This aligns with the international suite of industry standards, the ISO 19650 series, and the remaining BS/PAS 1192.
- Attaining Business Systems Certification is a good measure of such compliance.
For Projects
- Requires the application of the UK BIM Framework on the project.
- The Information Management process detailed within BS EN ISO 19650-2:2018 must be applied throughout the delivery phase of assets.
- Collaboration is key to successful implementation.
To support BIM Compliance, the BIM Protocol, initially drafted in 2013 for use with all standard construction contracts and supporting BIM at Level 2, has been updated to align with the ISO 19650 series. The Information Management Mandate requires this protocol to be appended to contracts to ensure that all procurement and contractual processes comply with the UK BIM Framework standards at the time of delivery.
Why Is the Exchange Information Requirements (EIR) Critical?
In 2020, John Ford, BIM & Digital Delivery Lead at Galliford Try Construction, discussed ‘why it’s time for a BIM reboot’ after highlighting that industry results depicted that the sector could be heading backwards with BIM, calling for the public sector to re-energise the original 2011 objective.
Without placing blame, BIM starts and ends with the client. Clients must understand what information they need, in whatever form, to operate and maintain their asset upon handover.
These specific requirements must be clearly communicated in an Exchange Information Requirements (EIR), formerly known as the Employer’s Information Requirements.
Without an EIR, the project is not complying with the UK BIM Framework.
When Is BIM Required on Construction Projects?
Public-Funded Projects
For public-funded projects, conformance to the UK BIM Framework is required by the Information Management Mandate detailed within the TIP Roadmap to 2030 and by the Government’s expectations within the Construction Playbook, regardless of:
- Project type (roads, rails, buildings, etc.).
- Project size.
- Societal impacts are at the centre of every decision.
Private Sector Projects
Outside of public-funded projects, implementing BIM can alleviate many challenges across any project scale. The benefits include:
- Introduction of standards and processes for suppliers to align with.
- 3D coordination and data exchange mechanism through the Common Data Environment (CDE).
- A level of assurance to the client in the information being delivered during each phase.
- Support throughout design, construction, and operation.
What Are the Benefits of Using BIM on a Project?
The adoption of BIM brings benefits at each stage of the project lifecycle:
BIM Benefits by Project Phase
| Phase | Key Benefits |
| Design | 3D coordination and design reviews reduce clashes; improved cost and time certainty; informed decision making; smooth transition to construction; access to up-to-date information; dynamic simulation modelling for energy performance forecasting |
| Construction | Real-time access to current information; closer collaboration reduces variations and material waste; visualisation of construction progress; logistics planning support; risk analysis and management |
| Operation | Transformed handover and operation; BIM data integration into asset management systems; digital record accessible and updatable throughout the asset’s lifecycle. |
How Can Morson Praxis Support Your BIM Compliance?
We have been utilising software that supports effective information management for over a decade and have been delivering BIM-compliant schemes since the Government mandate in April 2016. Our credentials include:
- BRE BIM Level 2 Business Systems Certification (2017).
- BRE ISO 19650-2:2018 Certification Scheme for Businesses (2021), among the first to hold UKAS-accredited BIM certification.
Our BIM Consultancy team offers a holistic approach to BIM, providing our clients with the expertise to leverage competitive advantages and increased operational efficiencies, and knowledge to ensure the most effective digital design approach is deployed and compliant with the UK BIM Framework.
What’s Next for BIM Compliance?
We have a wealth of knowledge applying BIM across a broad spectrum of infrastructure projects. Contractors wanting to know more about BIM, and how the appropriate level of BIM implementation within a project aligns with BS EN ISO 19650 standards, will benefit their delivery, are welcome to contact us to speak with one of our specialists.
To find out more about how we can support your following BIM projects, please contact our team.
