During disputes, it is important that the underlying principles of communication outlined above continue to be followed, despite the challenges raised during the process of resolving a disagreement.
Major changes, such as unforeseen events and other major challenges, may also call for a change in the personnel dealing with the challenge from the Procuring Authority's team. If the Procuring Authority is facing a major dispute or claim, then people with strong relationship-building skills might help improve the existing relationship, which could be tense. Disputes are detailed in Chapter 5 (Disputes).
EXAMPLE Treatment of disputes Several projects have highlighted how the relationships between the Procuring Authority and Project Company remained positive throughout all commercial disagreements and formal disputes. This was achieved by separating disputes from day-to-day operational matters, and in the Central Berkshire Waste project in the UK, the fact that the offices were co-located was also helpful. For more information, see the Central Berkshire Waste Case Study. |