Faye Allen, BSc (Hons), FRICS, PgDipLaw, MAE

Expert QuestionS & AnswerS

You spent your first 20 years working for contractors before becoming an expert witness – how did that shape the way you work now??

Working on various projects throughout the construction process as a quantity surveyor on live works across different sectors of the built environment has provided an understanding of different construction methods and experience of working patterns in confined sites, as well as an understanding of the logistical challenges that may occur. This enables me to evaluate working patterns and the impacts of delays, and to calculate the financial impact of changes and variations to the contracted scope.

Quantum assessments require bridging accountancy and contract law — what’s the most common gap you see in how quantum claims are presented, and how do you address it in your expert reports?

The most common gaps are the disconnect between a claim narrative and figures, and a lack of substantiation for the claims being made. The claim may set out a compelling story, but the quantum is not linked to it. Claims are often presented as lump sums or global figures, and my job as an independent quantum expert is to assess entitlement under the contract, utilise underlying records, and test the evidence to calculate the monetary value of the claim, applying the contract’s valuation mechanisms.

Your professional chartership reflects a depth of technical and ethical commitment — how do professional standards and codes of conduct influence the way you approach independent expert work in quantum assessment?

My role when working as an expert witness is to be independent and impartial, remembering that my duty is to the Court or Tribunal. I ensure I stay within my own expertise and that my reports are independent, provide details of the workings, and are clear about the assumptions relied upon. Being a Chartered Surveyor, an RICS-accredited expert, and a practising member of the Academy of Experts ensures I have been (and continue to be) rigorously tested and assessed.

What’s the most interesting case you’ve worked on that you can talk about without revealing client details?

I’ve worked on many interesting projects from a Mosque to off shore windfarms but the most fascinating has to be working on a dispute that involved the construction of a diamond mining vessel that was in serious delay.

What’s one piece of advice you find yourself giving clients over and over again?

Records, records records!
On any job that ends up in trouble, the thing that will help any client will be the records that are kept by the site teams and contractors and subcontractors and consultants to help ascertain any costs and delays that have occurred. If records are kept meticulously during the construction phase it is inevitably simpler to ascertain the quantum of any dispute later.

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