3.1 In March 2007, the Treasury introduced a new version of the standard form guidance (SOPC4), upon which new PFI contracts will be based. The new version updates previous guidance by setting out the circumstances under which change should be anticipated and makes a number of detailed recommendations on cost issues, including the reasonableness of mark-ups and fees charged by contractors.
3.2 In addition to the Treasury guidance for new PFI contracts, other central Government bodies have taken a number of measures to try to assist local public sector contract managers in making changes. The Operational Task Force, run by PUK on behalf of the Treasury, was established in 2006 to provide assistance and training to operational PFI projects. During 2006, the task force held seminars on contract management in nine locations across the UK which were attended by over 200 people. As well as providing a telephone helpline to projects, it has produced a change protocol that can be applied in operational projects and new training courses and workshops will include advice on the management of changes. In addition, 4ps is helping local authorities by facilitating network meetings, providing a secure website for authorities to exchange ideas and by producing protocols.
3.3 Approximately half the projects we contacted as part of this study called for practical guidance in a variety of areas relating to the change process. In many cases, contract managers were looking not so much for formal guidance as for examples of good practice and an indication of what was typically being paid - for instance in fees - by other projects.