The flexibility core theme recorded only 12 per cent of total issues.
The general operational flexibility sub-theme relates to day to day processes in place that the service providers are required to follow to implement any significant changes. Even though PPP contracts have provisions incorporating the concept of flexibility, other provisions on maintaining the facility as built over the contract period can create issues for service providers. One example from this sub-theme is of a school that wanted to have a mural painted on a school wall to promote and display school's culture. The requirement to handover the facility to public sector after the contract term without any changes to the facility makes it difficult for schools to display their achievements and evolving culture. See also Section 4.5.
The service provider flexibility sub-theme relates to changes required by service providers due to the evolving nature of core services. It was observed that at times implementing requested temporary changes can be challenging for service providers. An example from this sub-theme is that teachers have a preference to stick coloured tape on carpets at the beginning of term to help guide younger students. In PPP schools this was considered unacceptable due to potential damage to the carpet. It was suggested that the PPP Project Co should be sensitive to teaching activities requiring some flexibility on the part of the on-site FM operator where there is no significant impact on the delivery of core services.