Study Methodology

2 We collected information from a number of sources in order to obtain evidence that would allow us to answer the above questions. In particular we undertook a wide-ranging review of documentary evidence provided for us by the Home Office and its advisers. We also interviewed key staff within the Home Office as well as other parties and stakeholders. Further information on how the interviews we undertook were used to address the issues, is provided in Figure 12 overleaf.

12	Interviews undertaken by the National Audit Office during its examination

	Interview		Issues Examined
	The Home Office and its Advisers
	Home Office	■	Option appraisal
	(Accommodation project team, HM Prison Service, Information Technology working group, Trade Unions)	■	Procurement process and commercial strategy issues
		■	Contract management after financial close
		■	Modernisation strategy; achievement of wider business benefits
		■	Information Technology
		■	Property strategy
		■	Staff numbers

	PricewaterhouseCoopers	■	Public Sector Comparator
	(Home Office financial advisers)	■	Financing
		■	Payment Mechanism

	Knight Frank	■	Property strategy
	(Home Office property advisers)

	Berwin Leighton Paisner	■	Legal issues
	(Home Office legal advisers)

	Partnerships UK	■	General procurement and commercial strategy issues
		■	financing

	Private Sector Partners on the deal
	AGP	■	bid process and commercial strategy
		■	contract management after financial close

	HSBC	■	procurement process
	(equity funding)	■	financing

	Royal Bank of Canada	■	financing
	(bond arranger)

	Other Government Departments
	Department for Constitutional Affairs	■	property strategy

	Office of Government Commerce	■	Option appraisal
		■	Property strategy
		■	Achievement of wider business benefits