Guidance

Guidance on the Short Form Contract

How to use the Short Form Contract.

• From: Cabinet Office and Government Legal Department
• Published: 22 September 2022
• Last updated: 1 September 2025 — See all updates

Documents

Short Form Contract – Guidance for Buyers (PDF)

PDF, 4.06 MB, 32 pages

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Details

The Short Form Contract is a template contract for low-value, non-complex goods and services.  This document provides guidance on the Short Form Contract and how to use it.

Published 22 September 2022

Last updated 1 September 2025 + show all updates

1. 1 September 2025

   Updated the guidance: Short Form Contract - Guidance for Buyers to version 1.5A

2. 17 July 2025

   Replaced the document: Short Form Contract – Guidance for Buyers

3. 21 February 2025

   Updated guidance

4. 1 August 2023

   Updated the guidance: Short Form Contract – Guidance for Buyers to version 1.4

5. 22 September 2022

   First published.