3.33 Authorities and contractors on three projects, RAF Mail, LOCCS and AFPAA have told us that their relationships have improved since our survey was undertaken. The quotes we have used on the RAF Mail and AFPAA projects predate those improvements.
3.34 On the RAF Mail project, the contractor has now taken the opportunity to co-locate at the authority's premises, (Figure 25). The contractor's contract manager has changed. As a result, the authority considers the contractor is providing a greatly improved service and is more amenable to taking risks for its own benefit. There is also a greater sense of partnership and relationships are improving.
3.35 With regard to the LOCCS project, the improvement in the relationship came about as a result of changes in personnel on both sides, to people who were committed to the creation of a positive and co-operative working environment. This requires leadership and motivation from individuals who have the confidence to pose the hard questions, regardless of the people or service difficulties, and have the experience to deliver. Cynicism is being replaced by trust.
3.36 On the AFPAA contract, the authority told us that the contract has been reconstructed to ensure delivery of the original requirement on a robust partnering basis. As a result clarity over outputs and responsibilities has improved considerably.