3.31 It is recommended that an induction course is held for all staff in the Authority's monitoring team, and users in contracts who have a performance monitoring or reporting role, which covers areas such as:
• differences between PFI and non-PFI contracts and their monitoring;
• managing risk;
• how to monitor availability;
• how to monitor performance;
• problem resolution;
• reporting information from the Contractor;
• contract management; and
• involving and working with service users.
3.32 This should be run when the contract documentation is in place so that the use of the documentation is an integral part of the course.
3.33 Since contract management staff may not have used a payment mechanism before the Authority, possibly through their consultants, should provide training on its use and further how to put in place a contact monitoring recording system. Authorities should consider holding training sessions testing procedures against an instance where the Contractor fails to provide the services agreed. Examples could include, courses of action if the Contractor fails to provide a meal specified in the catering requirements, or if the waste bins in a facility are not emptied.
3.34 Authorities should also ensure that other appropriate training is provided for contract management staff and recognise the importance of their role. Training may be needed to develop more generic skills, for example managing relationships, communication, negotiation, as well as PFI specific skills such as benchmarking and market testing and performance monitoring.
3.35 The National School of Government currently run a range of course relating to contract management, further details of which can be found on their website10.
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10 For more information see www.nationalschool.gov.uk