The role of the Temporary Works Coordinator is becoming increasingly defined across the UK construction industry. As projects grow in complexity and scrutiny around compliance increases, employers are becoming clearer than ever about what they expect from individuals coordinating temporary works.

As a result, more job descriptions now reference Temporary Works Coordinator training, familiarity with BS 5975, and formal competence — not just job titles or experience alone.

For anyone exploring Temporary Works Coordinator Jobs, or being asked to take on the responsibility, understanding employer expectations is essential. This article explains how the role is defined on site, what contractors look for when recruiting, and how a Temporary Works Coordinator course supports both compliance and employability.

Why the CITB Temporary Works Coordinator Role Matters to Employers

Temporary works are involved in many of the highest-risk activities on construction sites, including scaffolding, formwork, excavation support and temporary propping.

Under BS 5975, the Temporary Works Coordinator (TWC) is responsible for ensuring that temporary works are:

• Properly planned and controlled
• Designed and checked by competent persons
• Installed in accordance with approved designs
• Inspected at key stages
• Managed throughout loading, use and dismantling

For employers, this makes the Temporary Works Coordinator a critical risk-control role, not an administrative function. The person appointed must be able to demonstrate a clear understanding of their responsibilities and the procedures that sit behind them.

What Employers Mean When Advertising Temporary Works Coordinator Jobs

Many temporary works coordinator jobs are advertised as part of wider site or project management roles rather than standalone positions.

Common job titles include:

• Site Manager
• Project Manager
• Construction Manager
• Senior Engineer

However, job descriptions increasingly include phrases such as:

• “Must be competent as a Temporary Works Coordinator”
• “Temporary Works Coordinator training required”
• “Experience managing temporary works in line with BS 5975”

This reflects a shift away from assuming competence based on seniority, towards requiring evidence that individuals understand formal temporary works procedures.

Experience Alone Is No Longer Enough

A common issue across the industry is that individuals are expected to coordinate temporary works without having received structured training.

While experience is vital, it does not automatically demonstrate:

• Knowledge of BS 5975 procedures
• Understanding of formal appointment requirements
• Awareness of design checking and permit controls
• Ability to evidence competence if challenged

From an employer’s perspective, this creates risk. From an individual’s perspective, it places responsibility on them without clear protection. Completing a Temporary Works Coordinator course helps close this gap by providing structured understanding of the role and its obligations.

What a Temporary Works Coordinator Course Demonstrates

A recognised CITB Temporary Works Coordinator course shows employers that an individual:

• Understands their responsibilities under BS 5975
• Knows how temporary works should be planned and controlled
• Can communicate effectively with designers, supervisors and site teams
• Understands the risks associated with changes to temporary works
• Can operate within a formal temporary works procedure

For contractors recruiting into temporary works coordinator jobs, this provides reassurance that the individual can manage the role competently within an established system.

What Temporary Works Coordinator Training Covers

Professional temporary works coordinator training focuses on coordination and control rather than design.

Key topics typically include:

• Roles and responsibilities of the Temporary Works Coordinator and Supervisor
• Legal and procedural duties under BS 5975
• Temporary works design briefs and design checks
• Common temporary works activities and associated risks
• Inspection and permit-to-load processes
• Managing change and preventing unauthorised alterations
• Communication, record keeping and control measures

This Temporary Works Coordinator course is delivered over two days, allowing sufficient time to explore responsibilities in detail and apply learning to real-world site scenarios. Delivery is available face-to-face or via live online classroom, making it suitable for those working in operational and management roles.

Why Temporary Works Competence Improves Employability

As compliance expectations increase, contractors are becoming more selective about who they appoint to manage temporary works.

Holding Temporary Works Coordinator training can:

• Strengthen CVs and job applications
• Support internal promotions
• Increase confidence when taking on additional responsibility
• Reduce personal risk associated with temporary works decisions
• Improve eligibility for senior site roles

For many professionals, temporary works competence is now viewed as essential, particularly on larger or more complex projects.

Temporary Works Coordinator vs Temporary Works Supervisor

Employers are also clearer about the distinction between these roles:

• Temporary Works Supervisor (TWS) supports inspections and on-site checks
• Temporary Works Coordinator (TWC) has overall responsibility for planning, coordination and control

Confusion between the two can lead to incorrect appointments and compliance gaps. A Temporary Works Coordinator course ensures clarity around where responsibility sits.

Temporary Works Coordinator Course: Frequently Asked Questions

What is a Temporary Works Coordinator course?

A Temporary Works Coordinator course provides the knowledge required to manage and coordinate temporary works in line with BS 5975. It focuses on planning, control and communication rather than design.

Is Temporary Works Coordinator training mandatory?

While there is no legal licence, many employers, clients and insurers expect Temporary Works Coordinators to have completed recognised training to demonstrate competence.

Who should take Temporary Works Coordinator training?

Training is suitable for site managers, project managers, construction managers, engineers and senior supervisors appointed to coordinate temporary works.

How long does a Temporary Works Coordinator course take?

Temporary Works Coordinator courses are typically delivered over two days, allowing time to explore responsibilities in detail and apply learning to real-world site scenarios. Courses are commonly available face-to-face or via live online classroom delivery.

Do Temporary Works Coordinator jobs require formal training?

Increasingly, yes. Many temporary works coordinator jobs now reference BS 5975 competence and training as part of the job requirements.

Why Temporary Works Coordinator Competence Matters

Temporary works coordination is no longer a responsibility that can be assigned informally or based on experience alone. With increased scrutiny from clients, insurers and regulators, competence must be clear, structured and demonstrable.

For those applying for temporary works coordinator jobs, or being asked to take on the role, completing a Temporary Works Coordinator course provides clarity, confidence and credibility — both on site and on paper.