The data says:

• For the projects reviewed, CAs said that current relationships are generally good:

-  75-90% stated that relationships, communications and information provision are very good

-  c.75% indicated that the relationships were collaborative

•  CAs' responses indicate that relationships were likely to weaken as they approach expiry, with c.40% believing that there was a real risk of disputes

•  c.75% of CAs are having insufficient discussions with the private sector on expiry

We also found:

•  Other sectors and projects may not report such good relationships with the private sector and future EHCs may provide more detailed information on this

•  Many CAs believe that relationships can be imbalanced in the private sector's favour, and that this is linked to a lack of transparency of how the contract operates and performance information

Learnings:

•  CAs need to maintain and strengthen relationships to avoid the pressures of expiry causing issues/ disputes

•  CAs need to engage earlier with the private sector on expiry to ensure sufficient time to address issues, gather data and information

•  IPA needs to progress its market engagement activity and develop a public-private protocol on managing expiry including dispute resolution

•  IPA needs to address this public/ private sector relationship imbalance through market engagement and protocols as necessary