The Private Delivery of Public Services

Since the introduction of PFI and PPP, together with other forms of outsourcing of the delivery of public sector services, much thought has been given to the next generation of private delivery. Many large value and long term contracts are due for extension or replacement, and therefore this seminar presents a timely opportunity to consider anticipated changes in the way new contracts will be procured.

With the UK having led the way in this field, there is now substantial evidence of good and bad practice. However due to the extensive use and variety of this programme valuable lessons need to be learnt and shared in order to build on current best practice. The problem is that many practitioners have only restricted experience and sharing of knowledge has been limited.

This seminar will provide an update on latest government lessons, requirement to provide value for money, and explain forthcoming legal changes to procurement. The seminar will then examine examples of good and bad practice across a number of sectors and from client, delivery organisation and commercial viewpoints.

We are fortunate to have Sir John Bourn to chair the seminar. As the former Comptroller and Auditor General of the National Audit Office, he brings vast knowledge and experience across the whole spectrum of government services. The speakers will present their own current experiences and difficulties in providing a public / private partnership to the delivery of public services.

This topic continues to receive much media attention and so it is important that we also look forward to newer expectations of how services will be delivered. This will include new models to encompass all layers of public sector from central government to local authorities, agencies, voluntary sector, and then extend to include representation of the ‘interested’ general public. Are such ambitions justified? Will we see the same approach to procurement and contracts across the public sector? These and other questions, together with contributions from the floor, should provide a valuable seminar for those able to attend.