10.3.1 With the introduction and expansion of the PPP methodology, the role of Independent Tester or Independent Certifier was developed to provide a process for testing followed by formal certification that the respective obligations of each party are met and that service availability is achieved in accordance with the requirements of the contract.
10.3.2 There was evidence of a view amongst some Council Officers that this Independent Certifier function would provide the necessary quality assurance through its monitoring of the work.
10.3.3 The appointment of the Independent Certifiers is a joint appointment between the parties to the Contract. How this role is undertaken in practice can vary significantly from project to project but as generally practised it in no way replicates the level of close on-going independent scrutiny or inspection of construction that is provided by a Clerk of Works service. Visits by Independent Certifiers to site and time spent by them on site are much less frequent and rigorous than what is provided by a project Clerk of Works.
10.3.4 It is most unlikely that the nature of defects that have been discovered and which led to the collapse of the Oxgangs wall would have been identified at the level of scrutiny generally applied by Independent Certifiers. To discover such defects, the level of detailed inspection similar to that undertaken by a properly resourced and experienced Clerk of Works service would have been required.
10.3.5 From evidence provided to the Inquiry, it was clear, however, that false assumptions were made by the Council and other parties, including shareholders, regarding the level of assurance one could place on the quality of construction as a result of the role undertaken by the Independent Certifiers.