H: Contingency Plans

5.30  PurposeA contingency plan should be developed as part of the contract management manual.  This plan covers what happens if the Contractor fails in his duty to deliver the services, whether as a result of an external emergency or due to issues within the Contractor and subcontractor group, and emergency planning measures that should be implemented in the event of a major incident that effects the unavailability of all or a large part of a facility. 

5.31  Areas to considerThe plan should not be over-complicated or overlong because, if it does need to be implemented, it is likely to be during a period of pressure so it needs to be accessible.

Contingency Plan

The plan should identify:

•  events which will lead to service failure / default

•  impact on the services i.e. short term or long term

•  remedies and timescales in the contract

•  emergency planning measures in the event of a major incident

•  communications strategy (internal and external)

•  staff and resources and how these will be mobilised at short notice

•  the steps needed to return the project to normal monitoring once the crisis is over

•  any consents which may be needed and from whom

•  list key personnel, contact information, and each persons role and responsibility