3.1 There are three key stages to either a benchmarking or market testing process which are noted below along with a summary of the main activities/features of each stage:
Planning the process:
• Plan early
• Ensure appropriate resources - especially professional advice, dedicated technical resource and senior time
• Plan for the negotiating strategy
• Review the requirements
• Develop a project plan
• Clarify roles
• Agree methodology
• Agree cost of services to be benchmarked/market tested
• Maintain good communications
• Establish governance structure
Managing the process:
• Agree benchmark sources
• Validate the data
• Use expert advice
• Clarify and negotiate
• Ensure transparency and openness
• Develop clear evaluation criteria
• Maintain good communications
Managing the outcome:
• Implement the outcome
• Amend the service specifications
• Adjust the unitary payment
• Inform users
• Consult and inform staff
• Check the interface arrangements
• Document the process
• Learn the lessons