4.3.1 It is critical when selecting advisers to give them as much information as is reasonable and to define roles and tasks as clearly as possible. This should cover the nature of the assistance sought in terms of advice, support, review, responsibility for the process etc. The clearer the brief, the easier it is for advisers to assess the experience and expertise required, and to price the advisory service accordingly.
4.3.2 A clear brief will also help the procurer to:
• specify the terms and conditions of appointment;
• achieve value for money from advisers;
• keep control of costs;
• produce a mechanism for managing advisers and the procurement process; and
• understand the internal project management arrangements (who performs what role with what responsibilities).
4.3.3 The Client Brief should first outline what is required to take the project forward. As a guide, it should at least include the following:
• the role of the procurer and any other stakeholder in the project;
• the background to the project, how it fits into the procurer's business strategy; and
• details of any existing service provision.
4.3.4 The Client Brief should then define the separate roles of lead PFI, financial, legal and technical advisers, as appropriate. A proven method of achieving this is to use a series of headings effectively tracking the procurement process. At Annex A, there is a useful checklist of what should be included.