Performance Auditing of Public Sector Property Contracts

PPP/PFI contracts often share a number of features: they run over a very long period of time; they are conceived without a complete understanding of how requirements may change and despite the rhetoric they tend to create a context where dispute and litigation rather than partnership are the norm. In this environment, effective auditing is essential to ensure that projects are delivering what the end-user requires. Audits are both a public sector right, and a matter of good management sense. Performance Auditing of Public Sector Property Contracts is a practical guide to performance auditing for public sector property managers with a series of guidelines for auditors of public sector property contracts. The book concentrates on Facilities Management contracts. Lori Keating explains the basis for the process; how to retain balance, independence and rigour and how to audit intangible performance measures and other tricky areas. The book follows an audit process from commencement to conclusion, and contains a discussion of factors that contribute to the success of any audit. It is essential reading for public sector auditors, PPP project managers and contractors.

Table of Contents:
Introduction; Chapter 1 Key Concepts and Definitions; Chapter 2 The Need for Performance Auditing; Chapter 3 Four Basic Audit Constructs; Chapter 4 The Audit Environment: Setting the Context; Chapter 5 Audit Techniques; Chapter 6 Management Issues for Auditors;

About the Author :
With a background in European Union/Council of Europe public sector policy consulting, Lori Keating has been advising the UK public sector on property related issues since 1997. Lori Keating joined a London firm of surveyors in 1997 advising on works and Facilities Management specifications for the Defence Estates, and the Department of Transport/Department of the Environment. Lori became extensively involved in DoT/DoE consultancy, through a framework commission held with the DoT at the time, and worked with the in-house team in advising the Departments in the re-aligning of in-house and contractor roles and responsibilities throughout a period of protracted management change. During this time, Lori Keating developed an audit and contractual analysis specialism, and has carried out numerous audits for major government departments and local authorities from then until now. Lori’s audit work has encompassed all FM issues, procurement analysis, management structures and forward works programmes, either through auditing directly herself, or by overseeing a team to ensure the quality of their work. Lori has advised both central and local government on potential contract disputes - both in terms of FM or new-build/refurbishment projects - with remits to negotiate solutions without recourse to formal dispute. Lori’s clients have included: the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister (now the Department for Communities and Local Government), the Department for Transport, the Department for Culture Media and Sport, London Borough of Camden, Brighton & Hove City Council, the Cabinet Office, the Driving Standards Agency and the Defence Estates.