- Regardless of the source of a variation, a crucial factor in achieving VfM is the ability of public sector governance staff to effectively assess and select the best course of action, and not inadvertently (through failing to understand the commercial and legal underpinnings of the concession deed) give away something which undermines value for the state over the longer-term or leads to an adverse change in its risk profile. Inadequate levels of skill and experience in the public partner's governance team can therefore have a detrimental effect on achieving desired outcomes through planning for and administering contract variations.